![]() ![]() The Jacobean playwrights could think of strange ways of torment and murder but they never tear at our nerves as Marlowe does in this scene. Henry VI is suddenly stabbed Richard II dies fighting and eloquent Richard III and Macbeth are killed in battle Julius Caesar is suddenly stabbed by Casca the Duchess of Malfi makes a pious speech before she is strangled and Marlowe?s own Faustus dominates the scene in his despair. Clifford Leech remarks that no other tragic figure is treated in the degrading way that Mortimer permits for Edward II. Placed beside the ?Death Scene? of Richard II, the ?Murder Scene? of Edward II seems more shocking and awe-inspiring. Wilson remarks that compassion seems not to have come to Marlowe and there is a cruelty in the last scene which we do not find in Shakespeare. Edward is the embodiment of humiliated humanity. But the scene of Edward?s death is too cruel and horrible. His death fills us with a profound sense of sadness. ![]() Richard in his last moments inspires affection in the groom and his monologue shows that he is still the poet, a devotee of the fancy. The ?Death Scene? of Richard II has tender poetic touch. ![]() In this context a comparison may be invited between the ?Death Scene? of Marlowe?s king in Edward II and Shakespeare?s king Richard II in Richard II. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |