Doctor Faustus

Definition

Doctor Faustus is a tragic play written by Christopher Marlowe, centered around a scholar who makes a pact with the devil in exchange for magical powers and knowledge. The play explores themes of ambition, temptation, and the consequences of overreaching human desires, making it one of the key works of the English Renaissance that highlights the conflict between traditional morality and the pursuit of personal ambition.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Doctor Faustus was first published in 1604, though it is believed to have been written earlier, around 1592-93.
2. The character of Faustus is often interpreted as a representation of the Renaissance man's struggle with ambition and the quest for knowledge.
3. The play is notable for its use of soliloquies, which allow audiences to access Faustus's internal conflicts and moral dilemmas directly.
4. The ending of the play serves as a cautionary tale, as Faustus ultimately pays a heavy price for his pact with Lucifer, facing eternal damnation.
5. Marlowe's work has had a lasting influence on literature, inspiring numerous adaptations and interpretations across various artistic forms, including opera and film.

Review Questions

• How does Doctor Faustus exemplify the characteristics of Renaissance drama through its themes and structure?
  • Doctor Faustus exemplifies Renaissance drama through its exploration of individual ambition and the pursuit of knowledge. The play presents a protagonist who defies conventional morality in favor of personal gain, which reflects the Renaissance emphasis on human potential. Additionally, Marlowe's use of blank verse and complex character development showcases the innovative theatrical techniques that defined this period.
• Discuss the significance of Faustus's pact with Lucifer in terms of moral implications and Renaissance beliefs about knowledge.
  • Faustus's pact with Lucifer is significant because it illustrates the moral implications of overreaching one's bounds in pursuit of knowledge. In Renaissance thought, there was a belief that knowledge could empower individuals; however, Faustus's decision to make a deal with the devil highlights the dangerous consequences that can arise from unchecked ambition. This conflict embodies the tension between Enlightenment ideals and traditional moral values prevalent during this time.
• Evaluate how Doctor Faustus reflects the broader societal anxieties of its time regarding ambition, power, and spirituality.
  • Doctor Faustus reflects societal anxieties related to ambition and power by presenting a protagonist whose desire for greatness leads to his downfall. The play serves as a critique of unchecked ambition by portraying Faustus's spiritual crisis as he grapples with the consequences of his choices. This narrative resonates with contemporary fears surrounding the Reformation's challenges to religious authority and the potential dangers of pursuing knowledge without ethical considerations, encapsulating a pivotal moment in early modern thought.

Related terms

Marlowe's Influence: Christopher Marlowe was a significant figure in the development of English drama, known for his use of blank verse and complex characters that paved the way for later playwrights like Shakespeare.

The Tragical History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus: The full title of Marlowe's play, which emphasizes both Faustus's tragic downfall and the moral lessons regarding hubris and the limits of human knowledge.

Renaissance Humanism: A cultural and intellectual movement during the Renaissance that emphasized human potential and achievements, reflected in the character of Faustus who seeks knowledge beyond traditional boundaries.