Doctor Faustus

Definition

Doctor Faustus is a play by Christopher Marlowe that tells the story of a scholar who makes a pact with the devil in exchange for magical powers and knowledge. The character of Faustus embodies the Renaissance man's quest for limitless knowledge and the ultimate consequences of overreaching ambition. This narrative explores themes of ambition, desire, and the struggle between good and evil, which are central to Marlowe's dramatic works.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Doctor Faustus is considered one of the earliest examples of the tragic hero in English literature, showcasing Faustus's hubris and eventual downfall.
2. The play features a struggle between Renaissance humanism and medieval morality, highlighting the tension between knowledge and ethical boundaries.
3. Faustus's character reflects the duality of man—his insatiable thirst for knowledge clashes with his eventual realization of the consequences of his actions.
4. The use of soliloquies in the play allows Faustus to express his internal conflict and reflect on his choices, making his tragic fate more poignant.
5. The play raises questions about free will, as Faustus struggles with his decisions, ultimately leading to his tragic end despite moments of doubt and desire for redemption.

Review Questions

• How does Doctor Faustus embody the ideals and conflicts of the Renaissance period?
  • Doctor Faustus represents the Renaissance man's pursuit of knowledge and individualism, reflecting the era's emphasis on human potential and intellectual exploration. His quest for forbidden knowledge through a pact with Lucifer highlights the tension between ambition and moral limits, typical of Renaissance thought. However, Faustus's eventual downfall serves as a cautionary tale about overreaching ambition, illustrating how this desire can lead to tragic consequences.
• Discuss the significance of the character Mephistopheles in Doctor Faustus and how he influences Faustus's choices.
  • Mephistopheles serves as both a tempter and a reflection of Faustus's own desires throughout the play. His role illustrates the seductive nature of power and knowledge, encouraging Faustus to embrace his pact while simultaneously warning him about its dire implications. The complex relationship between Faustus and Mephistopheles deepens the moral conflict in the narrative, as it forces Faustus to confront his own values and desires while spiraling toward his inevitable doom.
• Evaluate how Marlowe's use of language and structure contributes to the themes presented in Doctor Faustus.
  • Marlowe employs blank verse and powerful imagery in Doctor Faustus to convey deep emotional conflicts and philosophical dilemmas faced by the protagonist. The structure of the play, including its soliloquies, allows for introspective moments where Faustus grapples with his choices, enhancing themes of ambition, temptation, and tragedy. This use of language not only emphasizes Faustus's inner turmoil but also elevates the moral questions surrounding free will and redemption, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.

Related terms

Faustian Bargain: A Faustian bargain refers to a deal made with the devil or an agreement in which someone sacrifices their moral values for power, knowledge, or other benefits.

Tragedy: A genre of literature that presents a serious subject matter and typically involves the downfall of a heroic character due to a tragic flaw or error in judgment.

Marlowe's Influence: Christopher Marlowe's impact on English drama, particularly his use of blank verse and complex characters, which paved the way for later playwrights like Shakespeare.