DOCTOR FAUSTUS

By: Christopher Marlowe

Published in 1604

PUBLICATION

The Tragical History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus, commonly referred to simply as Doctor Faustus, is a play by Christopher Marlowe, based on the German story Faust, in which a man sells his soul to the devil for power, experience, pleasure and knowledge. Doctor Faustus was first published in 1604, eleven years after Marlowe's death and at least 10 years after the first performance of the play. It is the most controversial Elizabethan play outside of Shakespeare.

THEMES

Resist Temptations- Not to take things you don’t need, and are also sinful.

Sin Demons Power/Wealth Blasphemy

Damnation- This is a Christian play and a large point is Faustus going to hell He renounces God Ignoring Pope He worships satan Ignores Angles Gives his soul for a demon servant

CONFLICT

One central conflict in this play is the battle for the soul of Faustus and the way that he throws himself willingly down the path towards total damnation rather than taking the opportunities he has to repent when he has those chances. This struggle is interestingly presented through the presence of the Good and Evil Angels, who both try to get Faustus to heed their warnings. However, by the end of the play, in spite of the many opportunities Faustus has had to repent, his systematic ignoring of God and of repentance means that he has passed the point of no return.

PROTAGONIST & ANTAGONIST

Protagonist- Faustus

Antagonist- Mephistopheles

SUMMARY

Faustus is a well respected doctor and theologist until he finds Jerome’s bible, and starts practicing ancient incantations. He accidentally summons Mephistopheles, a powerful demon, Faustus tells Mephistopheles he wants him to be his slave for 24 years, and that he will sell his soul to Satan to get it. Faustus gets Mephistopheles as his slave for 24 years. Faustus feels great remorse and tries to repent, but he is too far in his path, and God will not forgive him. He is eventually taken to hell by Satan’s servants.

CENTRAL QUOTES

Faustus- If heaven was made for man, ‘twas made for me. I will renounce magic and repent.

Lucifer- Christ cannot save thy soul, for he is just. There’s none but I have int’rest in the same.

Second Scholar- O, help us, heaven! See, here are Faustus’ limbs, All torn asunder by the hand of death.