Milton praises "the great Emathian conqueror" in sonnet 8, but takes a
sterner view in Paradise Regained, and even in sonnet 10, where "that
dishonest victory of Chaeronea" (18-year-old Alexander had commanded the
Macedonian left wing) is called "fatal to liberty." Satan in PR
frequently compares the Son to Alexander. Alexander's ghost (or a
spirit impersonating him) makes a famous appearance in Dr. Faustus,
where the Emperor is eager to gaze on him with admiration. I have often
wondered who Alexander's female companion (the lady with the mole) is
meant to be. Was Marlowe thinking of a particular historical personage
(Roxane? Barsine?), or is the gender deliberately left vague to hint at
Alexander's (and Marlowe's?) bisexuality? The companion is called "this
lady", but not until quite late in the scene. In Edward II Mortimer
Senior concedes that Alexander had his Hephaestion.
John Leonard
Jean Feerick wrote:
>
> A colleague of mine has come across a reference by Anne Bradstreet to Sidney
> which compares him to "Alexander the Great"; he was wondering if this
> comparison is common for Sidney and where he might turn for further insight
> on how Alexander is invoked in the early modern period. Quick to my mind is
> Fluellen's analogy of Henry V to Alexander the "Pig," but I'm wondering if
> there are critical works on this topic that he should not overlook.
>
> I'm grateful for any suggestions.
>
> Best, Jean Feerick
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