Allan A. Zarbock explores the influence of Niccolo MachiavelliÕs political novel, The Prince, on the dramatic works of Renaissance playwright Christopher Marlowe. Through his plays, Marlowe shows his audience the many aspects of MachiavelliÕs teachings and how these teachings apply to human affairs.
Tamburlaine the Great, Part I and Part II may be considered a study of how an individual can gain and maintain a kingdom. On the other hand, in Edward the Second, Marlowe demonstrates how a kingdom is lost when the ruler fails to consistently employ the Policies of Machiavelli. Furthermore, in The Jew of Malta, Marlowe reveals that none are innocent when struggling for control over that which they desire most.