Meaning: The quote "Is it not passing brave to be a King and ride in triumph through Persepolis?" is from the play "Tamburlaine the Great" by Christopher Marlowe. This line reflects the grandiosity and power associated with kingship, as well as the idea of triumph and conquest. To fully understand the significance of this quote, it is important to delve into the historical context and the themes present in Marlowe's play.

"Tamburlaine the Great" is a play written in the late 16th century, and it is one of Marlowe's most famous works. The play is a historical drama that centers around the rise of the character Tamburlaine, a shepherd who becomes a powerful conqueror and ultimately a king. The quote in question is spoken by Tamburlaine, emphasizing his ambition and desire for glory and triumph.

In the historical context of the play, Persepolis holds great significance. Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire and is located in present-day Iran. It was a symbol of power and grandeur, and the mention of riding in triumph through Persepolis carries with it the weight of conquering a grand and significant city. By referencing Persepolis, Marlowe invokes the image of a majestic and opulent city, highlighting the magnitude of Tamburlaine's ambitions and triumphs.

The quote also raises questions about the nature of kingship and the pursuit of power. The idea of being a king and riding in triumph through Persepolis conveys a sense of authority and dominance. It speaks to the grandeur and majesty associated with kingship, as well as the desire to conquer and assert one's power over others. Tamburlaine's words reflect a vision of kingship that is defined by conquest and the display of strength and supremacy.

Furthermore, the quote encapsulates the themes of ambition, conquest, and the pursuit of greatness that are central to the play. Tamburlaine's character is driven by an unrelenting ambition to rise above his humble origins and achieve greatness through conquest and dominion. The line "Is it not passing brave to be a King and ride in triumph through Persepolis?" captures the essence of Tamburlaine's relentless pursuit of power and his unyielding desire for triumph and glory.

In conclusion, the quote "Is it not passing brave to be a King and ride in triumph through Persepolis?" from Christopher Marlowe's "Tamburlaine the Great" encapsulates the themes of ambition, conquest, and the pursuit of power that are central to the play. It reflects the grandiosity and power associated with kingship and emphasizes the desire for triumph and dominance. The mention of Persepolis adds historical and symbolic weight to the quote, evoking the image of a grand and significant city that embodies the pursuit of greatness and the assertion of power.