J P Brockbank, 1962 (Structure)

Brockbank observes purpose and design in the comedy.

“Just as the tragedy is precisely focused on the presumption of man, so too is the comedy. Tragedy, remembering that man is mortal, makes death confound his pride of life; comedy, remembering that human life goes on, humiliates the man who affects to be superior to his fellows. The Pope’s words will serve as motto to both sides of the play:

            ‘He grows too proud in his authority,

            Lifting his lofty head above the clouds,

            And like a steeple overpeers the church;

            But we’ll pull down his haughty insolence.

Marlow clowns to a purpose.