Tamburlaine the Great

Tamburlaine the Great Summary | Part 1, Act 1, Scene 1 Summary

This epic play, written during the Elizabethan period, tells the epic story of an ambitious would-be emperor and his rise to earthly greatness. His ascent to power is contrasted by his descent into a delusional arrogance and his resistance to what he himself describes as the "feminine" weakness of deep emotion. Themes of loyalty and of the relationship between fathers and sons are developed through a series of military conquests interspersed with brief interludes of tenderness and personal intimacy.

A brief prologue introduces the action of Part 1, the chronicle of how Tamburlaine conquers the world. It suggests that the audience, or the reader, is intended to view what happens as a tragedy, and to judge Tamburlaine's actions accordingly.

Mycetes, King of Persia, is upset, but asks his brother Cosroe, whom he says is better with words, to explain why. In a speech that mocks Mycetes for being ineffectual, Cosroe reveals that Persia is threatened with invasion. After responding with irritation to Cosroe's mockery, Mycetes reveals that the threat is coming from Tamburlaine, whom one of the lords (Meander) describes at length as a thief with ambitions to govern Persia. Mycetes instructs Theridimas, a valiant general, to lead an army to confront Tamburlaine. Theridimas promises that within a month, Tamburlaine will either be dead or pleading for mercy. As he goes out to prepare for battle, Cosroe comments that the empire needs a wiser king and makes a rude comment about how Mycetes should kiss "his royal seat." Mycetes calls Cosroe an enemy and goes out with Meander and other lords.

Cosroe reveals to Menaphon that several Persian nobles and army commanders are preparing to have him (Cosroe) declared king in Mycetes' place. As Menaphon responds with flattering support, two of Mycetes' lords return with a crown, which they pace on Cosroe's head as they proclaim him the new emperor. Cosroe accepts the honor, and vows to wear it for the good of the country. He makes plans to lead his rebellious army to join the soldiers with Theridimas, and they all go out, shouting "God Save the King."