Jenifer Rogers

English 204

17 April 2006

 

Tamburlaine: The Power to Manipulate

 

            One way Tamburlaine becomes a powerful ruler and a successful conqueror is through his use of persuasive rhetoric. In Act I Scene II of MarloweÕs Tamburlaine, it is evident that Tamburlaine possesses the persuasive power of rhetoric, once Theridamas decides to abandon the Persian side and fight next to Tamburlaine instead. Tamburlaine delivers a speech to convince Theridamas to switch sides, using the three appeals (logos, pathos, and ethos) to create a persuasive argument.

            Through logos, Tamburlaine presents Theridamas with two options and the consequences that will follow each choice. First, Tamburlaine makes a logical argument that appeals to reason: he states that if Theridamas decides to proceed with his orders to fight Tamburlaine—Òdraw forth thy sword...intending but to raze my charmed skinÓ[1] (86)—then god will intervene and save Tamburlaine—ÒJove himself will stretch his hand from heaven to ward the blow and shield me safe from harmÓ (86). Tamburlaine is implying that the gods are on his side, so he should not be messed with, for his attacker may suffer serious harm. In TamburlaineÕs next argument, he presents the other option Theridamas has, which is to join TamburlaineÕs side. Tamburlaine explains that if Theridamas fights by his side, he will be rewarded with the Òmartial spoil of conquered kingdoms and of cities sackedÓ (86). As a result of these two arguments of reason, Theridamas is left with only one choice—to join Tamburlaine.

            Next, through ethos, Tamburlaine establishes his authority by appealing to his credibility. In order to show that he has reputable and authoritative power over Theridamas, Tamburlaine explains how he controls destiny: ÒI hold the Fates bound fast in iron chains, and with my hand turn FortuneÕs wheel aboutÓ (85). He shows through ethos that he is more powerful then the universe and that the universe will fall apart before he will be Òslain or overcomeÓ (85). In addition to establishing his relation to the universe, Tamburlaine explains his relationship with god—Òhe rains down heaps of gold in showersÓ—reversing the roles by implying that he is the divine and the Òheaps of goldÓ are the offerings from god to him. Tamburlaine uses ethos to establish his authority to convince Theridamas to fight on his side—the side that rules the heavens and the gods.

            Finally, through pathos, Tamburlaine discretely and subtly appeals to TheridamasÕ emotions. Although Tamburlaine shows through ethos that he has control over the universe and is more powerful than god, he remains on a personal level with Theridamas by emphasizing the two will be next to one another—Òboth we will reign as consuls of the earthÓ (86)—if Theridamas chooses to fight on TamburlaineÕs side. This is the most crucial elements of his persuasive argument because Tamburlaine allows Theridamas to feel equality and closeness to Tamburlaine, instead of a sense that Tamburlaine will dominate and control him once he changes sides. And then, Tamburlaine goes one step further by elevating Theridamas as an equal to a place of divine stature—ÒMay we become immortal like the godsÓ (86)—allowing Theridamas to feel superiority and equality at the same time.

            Through these appeals, the persuasive power Tamburlaine possesses becomes apparent, and I believe that it is through this power that Tamburlaine becomes so successful in his conquest. Although this makes Tamburlaine a powerful ruler, I do not believe this makes him a good ruler because the power to manipulate is not the same as the power to do what is right.


[1] Marlowe, Christopher. Tamburlaine the Great. The Works and Life of Christopher Marlowe. Ed. R. H. Case. New York: Gordian Press, 1966.