Embodying Machiavellianism: Marlowe’s Portrayal of Young Mortimer in Edward II

Peer-Reviewed
The Criterion

The Criterion: An International Journal in English ISSN: 0976-8165

Open Access

British Literature

Embodying Machiavellianism: Marlowe’s Portrayal of Young Mortimer in Edward II

Shri Supriya Debnath
Volume / Issue
Vol. 17, Issue 1 · February 2026

Pages
753-764

Article ID
2026V17N1103

Abstract

Machiavelli’s political philosophy had exerted a profound influence on English Literature, particularly drama, during the era of Renaissance. His ideas, primarily from The Prince, spurred the creation of the ‘Machiavellian’ archetype in drama, highlighting themes of deceit, ambition, and ruthless political manoeuvring. Machiavelli’s doctrine was the most important shaping force on Christopher Marlowe’s plays. Infact, all the major Marlovian heroes, such as Tamburlaine, Dr. Faustus, and Barabas exhibit selfish egotism and attachment to evil in their assertions of respective individualities. However, what is noteworthy about Edward II is that Marlowe here attaches Machiavellian spirit not to his hero Edward, but to an arch villain, the Young Mortimer. This paper seeks to trace Mortimer’s development from the young, enthusiastic warrior at the beginning to a ruthless Machiavellian villain who murders and tricks his way to the throne in Edward II.

Keywords

Machiavellianruthlessambitionmanoeuvringtricks

Article History

Received
31-01-2026
Accepted
13 February 2026
Published Online
3 February 2026

How to Cite

Shri Supriya Debnath. “Embodying Machiavellianism: Marlowe’s Portrayal of Young Mortimer in Edward II.” The Criterion: An International Journal in English, vol. 17, no. 1, Feb. 2026, pp. 753-764. ISSN: 0976-8165. DOI: https://doi.org/10.66376/criterion.v17.n1.51

Back to Vol. 17, Issue 1 · February 2026 The Criterion · ISSN 0976-8165

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