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–
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и
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–
Foreign
Linguistics and Linguodidactics
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Lexico-
semantic peculiarities of the idea of “great person”
in Ch. Marlowe
’
s
‘
Tamburlaine the Great
’
Nafisa TASHEVA
Asian International University
ARTICLE INFO
ABSTRACT
Article history:
Received September 2023
Received in revised form
10 September 2023
Accepted 25 October 2023
Available online
15 December 2023
This article deals with Christopher Marlowe
’
s drama
“
Tamburlaine the Great
”
which introduces us to a world of
ambition, power, and conquest. The play, which is set against
the backdrop of the fourteenth century, is a major work of
Elizabethan drama. By depicting Tamburlaine, the main
character, as a cunning and charming conqueror, Marlowe
examines the idea of a
“
great person
”
and its social
ramifications. The play explores the intricacies of human nature
and the quest for greatness, emphasizing the conflict between
morality and ambition. Examining the lexico-semantic quirks of
the concept of a
“
great person
”
in
“
Tamburlaine the Great
”
, we
find that Marlowe uses a variety of linguistic and semantic
techniques to illustrate the complex character of this term.
2181-3701
/©
2023 in Science LLC.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.47689/2181-3701-vol1-iss6-pp15-21
This is an open-access article under the Attribution 4.0 International
(CC BY 4.0) license (
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/deed.ru
Keywords:
the concept of a
“great
person”,
lexico-semantic
peculiarities,
historical dramas,
Elizabethan period,
the importance of the idea of
a
“great person”.
K. Marloning
“
Buyuk Temur
” dramasidagi “buyuk shaxs”
gʻoyasining leksik
-
semantik oʻziga xosliklari
ANNOTATSIYA
Kalit so
‘
zlar:
“
buyuk shaxs
”
tushunchasi,
leksik-semantik o
‘
ziga
xosliklar,
tarixiy dramalar,
Yelizaveta davri,
“
buyuk shaxs
”
g
‘
oyasining ahamiyati.
Ushbu maqola Kristofer Marloning
“
Buyuk Temur
”
dramasi
bilan bog
‘
liq, bizni shuhratparastlik, kuch va zabt dunyosi bilan
tanishtiradi. O
‘
n to
‘
rtinchi asr fonida tasvirlangan spektakl
Yelizaveta davri dramasining asosiy asaridir. Bosh qahramon
Amir Temurni ayyor va maftunkor bosqinchi sifatida tasvirlash
orqali Marlo “buyuk shaxs” g‘
oyasini va uning ijtimoiy
ta
’
sirlarini ko
’
rib chiqadi. Asarda inson tabiatining nozik
jihatlari, ulug
‘
likka intilish yo
‘
lga qo
‘
yilgan, axloq va
shuhratparastlik o
‘
rtasidagi ziddiyatga urg
‘u berilgan. “Buyuk
Temur” asaridagi “buyuk shaxs” tushunchasining
leksik-
1
Lecturer, Department of History and Philology, Asian International University.
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
–
Зарубежная лингвистика
и лингводидактика
–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
Issue
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1
№
6 (2023) / ISSN 2181-3701
16
semantik jihatini o
‘
rganar ekanmiz, Marlo bu atamaning
murakkab xarakterini ko
‘
rsatish uchun turli lingvistik va
semantik usullardan foydalanganligini ko
‘
ramiz.
Лексико
-
семантические особенности понятия «великий
человек» в драме К.
Марло «Тамерлан Великий»
АННОТАЦИЯ
Ключевые слова:
концепт
«великий человек»,
лексико
-
семантические
особенности,
исторические драмы,
елизаветинский период,
значение идеи «великого
человека».
Эта статья посвящена драме Кристофера Марлоу
«Тамерлан Великий», которая знакомит нас с миром
амбиций, власти и завоеваний. Пьеса, действие которой
разворачивается в четырнадцатом веке, представляет
собой
значительное
произведение
елизаветинской
драматургии. Показывая главного героя Тамерлана как
хитрого и обаятельного завоевателя, Марлоу исследует
идею «великого человека»
и ее социальные последствия.
Спектакль анализирует тонкости человеческой натуры и
стремление к величию, подчеркивая конфликт между
моралью
и
амбициями.
При
изучении
лексико
-
семантических особенностей понятия «великий человек»
в «Тамерлане Великом»
мы обнаруживаем, что Марлоу
использует
разнообразные
лингвистические
и
семантические приемы для иллюстрации сложной
природы этого термина.
INTRODUCTION
In the play ‘Tamburlaine the Great’, written by Christopher Marlowe, we are
introduced to a world of power, ambition, and conquest. Set in the backdrop of the 14th
century, the play holds significant importance in the realm of Elizabethan drama.
Marlowe’s portrayal of the protagonist, Tamburlaine, as a charismatic and ruthless
conqueror, explores the concept of a ‘great person’ and its implications within society.
The play delves into the complexities of human nature and the pursuit of greatness,
highlighting the tension between ambition and morality. As we delve into the lexico-
semantic peculiarities of the idea of a ‘great person’ in ‘Tamburlaine the Great’,
it becomes evident that Marlowe employs a range of linguistic and semantic devices to
convey the multifaceted nature of this concept. Through the use of symbolism and
imagery, Marlowe creates a vivid and evocative world that immerses the audience in the
grandeur and brutality of Tamburlaine’s conquests. As we explore the various
dimensions of this play, it becomes clear that ‘Tamburlaine the Great’ is not merely a
historical drama, but a profound exploration of power, ambition, and the complexities of
human nature. Its significance in Elizabethan drama lies in its ability to captivate
audiences with its compelling characters, thought-provoking themes, and masterful use
of language.
One of Marlowe’s most famous and influential works is his drama Tamburlaine the
Great. This play, written in two parts and first performed in the late 1580s, showcases
Marlowe’s exceptional talent for dramatic storytelling and his exploration of complex
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
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Зарубежная лингвистика
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Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
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themes. Tamburlaine the Great tells the story of a shepherd who rises to power and
becomes a conqueror, challenging the established order and questioning the limits of
human ambition.
Marlowe’s vivid and poetic language, combined with his intricate
character development, captivates audiences and provides a thought-provoking
reflection on power, ambition, and the human condition.
Exploring the concept of a ‘great person’ and its role in Marlowe’s play,
‘Tamburlaine the Great’, reveals a multifaceted and complex understanding of this idea.
In the play, a ‘great person’ is not simply defined by their physical prowess or military
conquests, but rather by their ability to inspire awe and fear in others. Tamburlaine, the
protagonist of the play, embodies this notion of greatness through his relentless ambition
and thirst for power. He is portrayed as a charismatic leader who possesses an uncanny
ability to sway the opinions and actions of those around him. This ability to manipulate
and control others is a defining characteristic of a ‘great person’ in Marlowe’s play.
Furthermore, the concept of greatness is also closely tied to the idea of divine providence.
Tamburlaine sees himself as a chosen instrument of fate, destined to conquer and rule
over vast territories. This belief in his greatness is reinforced through various symbolic
references throughout the play, such as the recurring motif of the eagle, which represents
both strength and majesty. Additionally, Marlowe employs vivid imagery to depict
Tamburlaine’s greatness, describing him as a “
thunderbolt
”
and a
“
scourge of God.
”
These
powerful and evocative descriptions further emphasize the awe-inspiring nature of a
‘great person’ in the context of the play. In conclusion, Marlowe’s portrayal of the ‘great
person’ in ‘Tamburlaine the Great’ delves into the complexities of power, manipulation,
and divine providence. Through the character of Tamburlaine, the play explores the
multifaceted nature of greatness and its impact on those who encounter it. In Christopher
Marlowe’s play ‘Tamburlaine the Great’, the concept of a ‘great person’ is explored
through various lexico-semantic peculiarities. The play, set in the 14th century, follows
the rise and reign of Tamburlaine, a shepherd turned conqueror who aspires to greatness
and dominance. This introduction aims to provide an overview of the play and its
significance in the context of lexico-semantic peculiarities surrounding the idea of a
‘great person’. ‘Tamburlaine the Great’ is a highly influential and controversial work of
Elizabethan drama, known for its grandeur and ambitious portrayal of power. Marlowe’s
use of language and vocabulary highlights the complexities and contradictions inherent
in the notion of greatness. Through the exploration of Tamburlaine’s character and
actions, the play delves into the shifting meanings and connotations associated with the
concept of greatness. By examining the lexical choices employed by Marlowe, we gain
insight into the multifaceted nature of the ‘great person’ and
how language shapes our
understanding of this idea. The analysis of lexico-
semantic peculiarities in ‘Tamburlaine
the Great’ offers a deeper understanding of the play’s themes and the complexities
surrounding the concept of greatness in Elizabethan society.
LEXICO-SEMANTIC ANALYSIS
The language and word choices used in Christopher Marlowe’s play ‘Tamburlaine
the Great’ play a significant role in depicting the idea of a ‘great person’.
Through a lexico-
semantic analysis of the text, we can examine the unique linguistic features that
contribute to the portrayal of greatness. Marlowe employs a rich and varied vocabulary,
carefully selecting words that convey power, authority, and magnificence.
The protagonist, Tamburlaine, is described using words such as
“
mighty,
”
“
majestic,
”
and
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“
regal,
”
highlighting his extraordinary qualities. These lexical choices not only emphasize
his physical strength but also his ability to inspire awe and admiration in others.
Additionally, Marlowe employs figurative language, such as metaphors and similes, to
further enhance the portrayal of greatness.
For example, Tamburlaine is compared to a
“
conquering storm
”
and a
“
thunderbolt,
”
emphasizing his forceful and unstoppable nature. Symbolism and imagery
are also employed to reinforce the idea of a ‘great person’. The use of symbols, such as
the crown and the scepter, represents power and authority, while vivid descriptions of
Tamburlaine’s conquests and triumphs create a visual image of his greatness. Overall, the
lexico-
semantic analysis of ‘Tamburlaine the Great’ reveals the meticulous use of
language and word choices to depict the idea of a ‘great person’. Marlowe’s selection of
powerful and evocative words, combined with the use of symbolism and imagery,
effectively conveys the magnificence and awe-inspiring nature of Tamburlaine.
Analyzing the symbolic and imagery devices employed to convey the notion of a
‘great person’ in the play, “
Tamburlaine the Great,
”
reveals the intricate and layered
portrayal of greatness. Marlowe skillfully utilizes symbolism and imagery to depict the
multifaceted nature of a ‘great person.’ One prominent symbol is the crown, which
represents power and authority. Throughout the play, the crown is frequently associated
with Tamburlaine, emphasizing his status as a great leader. Additionally, the imagery of
the sun is employed to convey the immense influence and dominance of Tamburlaine.
The sun is often used to describe his radiant presence and ability to command attention.
Furthermore, Marlowe employs the imagery of conquest and warfare to symbolize
Tamburlaine’s greatness.
The depiction of battles and victories serves to highlight his
military prowess and strategic brilliance. Another significant symbol is the throne, which
represents Tamburlaine’s ambition and desire for power.
The throne becomes a powerful
metaphor for his relentless pursuit of greatness. Moreover, Marlowe utilizes the imagery
of language and rhetoric to convey the persuasive and charismatic qualities of a ‘great
person.’ Tamburlaine’s eloquent speeches and persuasive rhetoric captivate his followers
and solidify his position as a charismatic leader. Lastly, the imagery of the heavens and
celestial bodies is employed to elevate Tamburlaine’s status and emphasize his divine
-
like qualities. By utilizing these symbolic and imagery devices, Marlowe effectively
conveys the complexities and nuances of the idea of a ‘great person’ in “
Tamburlaine the
Great.
”
In Ch. Marlowe’s ‘Tamburlaine the Great’, the lexical choices play a crucial role in
portraying the concept of a ‘great person’.
Examining the specific words and phrases
used in the play reveals the semantic implications associated with this idea. One such
lexical choice is the repeated use of words like
“
conquer
”
and
“
victory
”
, which emphasize
Tamburlaine’s ambition and desire for power.
These words not only highlight his
determination but also reflect the societal perception of greatness as dominance and
success. Additionally, the play employs a range of adjectives such as
“
noble
”
,
“
valiant
”
,
and
“
mighty
”
to describe Tamburlaine, further enhancing his image as a great person.
These adjectives not only emphasize his physical strength and prowess but also convey a
sense of admiration and awe. Furthermore, the play utilizes metaphors and similes to
enhance the lexical choices and their semantic implications. For instance, Tamburlaine is
compared to
“
the scourge of God
”
and
“
the terror of the world
”
, evoking a sense of fear
and reverence. These metaphors not only highlight his power and influence but also
contribute to the overall portrayal of a great person. Overall, the analysis of lexical
choices in ‘Tamburlaine the Great’ reveals the careful selection of words and phrases that
effectively convey the concept of a ‘great person’ and their semantic implications.
Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
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Throughout Christopher Marlowe’s play “
Tamburlaine the Great,
”
the idea of a
‘great person’ undergoes several semantic shifts, which have a significant impact on the
overall meaning and interpretation of the play. These shifts can be observed through the
changing connotations and associations attached to the term ‘great person’ as the
narrative progresses. Initially, the concept of a ‘great person’ is closely linked to military
prowess and conquest. Tamburlaine, the protagonist of the play, is portrayed as a
fearless and ambitious conqueror who seeks to establish his dominance over vast
territories. However, as the play unfolds, the semantic scope of the term expands to
encompass not only military might but also qualities such as intelligence, strategic
thinking, and leadership.
Tamburlaine’s greatness is not solely defined by his military
victories but also by his ability to inspire loyalty and command respect from his
followers. Moreover, the idea of a ‘great person’ undergoes a further shift in meaning
when Tamburlaine’s character is juxtaposed with that of other rulers in the play.
While Tamburlaine is portrayed as a benevolent and just leader, other rulers are depicted
as corrupt and tyrannical.
This contrast serves to emphasize Tamburlaine’s greatness not only in terms of his
military accomplishments but also in terms of his moral character. Overall, the
exploration of semantic shifts surrounding the idea of a ‘great person’ in “
Tamburlaine
the Great
”
adds depth and complexity to the play, highlighting the multifaceted nature of
greatness and its impact on the interpretation of the narrative.
CONCLUSION
This article delves into a detailed analysis of Marlowe’s drama Tamburlaine the
Great, examining its themes, characters, and dramatic techniques. Tamburlaine the Great
is a play written by Christopher Marlowe in the late 16th century. It is a two-part play
that follows the rise and fall of Tamburlaine, a shepherd who becomes a powerful
conqueror. One of the main themes explored in the play is the pursuit of power and its
consequences.
Tamburlaine’s relentless ambition drives him to conquer nations and
assert his dominance, but this ultimately leads to his downfall. The play also explores
themes of love, loyalty, and the nature of leadership.
Marlowe’s use of language and
poetic techniques adds depth and complexity to the characters and their interactions.
The play is known for its powerful and vivid imagery, as well as its exploration of moral
and philosophical ideas. The character of Tamburlaine is portrayed as a complex and
charismatic figure, capable of both great cruelty and great compassion.
Marlowe’s use of
dramatic techniques, such as soliloquies and asides, allows the audience to gain insight
into the characters’ thoughts and motivations. Overall, Tamburlaine the Great is a
thought-provoking and compelling drama that explores timeless themes and showcases
Marlowe’s skill as a playwright.
Throughout the lexico-
semantic analysis of the idea of a ‘great person’ in
Ch.
Marlowe’s ‘Tamburlaine the Great’, several key findings and insights have emerged.
Firstly, it is evident that the concept of a ‘great person’ is multifaceted and encompasses
various dimensions. Marlowe’s portrayal of Tamburlaine as a powerful and ambitious
ruler highlights the notion of greatness as being synonymous with political prowess and
dominance. Additionally, the lexical choices employed by Marlowe contribute to
the development of the ‘great person’ motif, with words such as ‘conquer,’ ‘subdue,’
and ‘command’ emphasizing Tamburlaine’s authoritative nature.
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Furthermore, the semantic nuances associated with the idea of a ‘great person’ in
the play extend beyond political power. Marlowe explores the psychological aspects of
greatness, delving into Tamburlaine’s complex psyche and his insatiable thirst for
conquest. The use of imagery, such as the metaphorical references to Tamburlaine as a
“
scourge of God,
”
further reinforces the grandeur and magnificence associated with the
‘great person’ archetype.
Moreover, the symbolism employed in ‘Tamburlaine the Great’ adds depth to the
portrayal of a ‘great person.’ The recurring motif of the crown symbolizes the ultimate
attainment of power and authority, highlighting the central role of ambition in defining
greatness. Additionally, the imagery of the battlefield serves as a symbolic representation
of the challenges and obstacles faced by a ‘great person’ on their path to dominance.
In conclusion, the lexico-
semantic analysis of the idea of a ‘great person’ in
Ch.
Marlowe’s ‘Tamburlaine the Great’ reveals a comprehensive exploration of the
multifaceted nature of greatness. Marlowe’s careful choice of words, the intricate use of
symbolism, and the vivid imagery employed all contribute to the portrayal of
Tamburlaine as a ‘great person.’ This examination of the lexico
-semantic peculiarities of
the idea provides valuable insights into the complexities of greatness and its
representation in literature.
In conclusion, Christopher Marlowe’s life and work are a testament to his immense
talent and impact on Elizabethan drama. From his humble beginnings in Canterbury to
his influential plays, Marlowe’s legacy as a playwright and poet endures.
His exploration
of power, ambition, and morality, coupled with his innovative use of language, cemented
his place in literary history.
Despite his tragic end, Marlowe’s contributions to English
literature remain invaluable.
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Xorijiy lingvistika va lingvodidaktika
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–
Foreign Linguistics and Linguodidactics
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6 (2023) / ISSN 2181-3701
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