Dr Faustus Christopher Marlowe Content Writer Christopher Marlowe

Dr. Faustus Christopher Marlowe

Content Ø Ø Ø Writer: Christopher Marlowe Plot Main Characters Questions on the Acts General Discussion

Marlow 1564 -1593: Brief Biography • Christopher Marlowe was a poet and playwright at the forefront of the 16 th-century dramatic renaissance. His works influenced William Shakespeare and generations of writers to follow. • Born in Canterbury, England, in 1564. While Christopher Marlowe's literary career lasted less than six years, and his life only 29 years, his achievements, most notably the play The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus, ensured his lasting legacy. • The constant rumors of Christopher Marlowe's atheism finally caught up with him on Sunday May 20, 1593, and he was arrested for just that crime. he was not jailed or tortured but was released on the condition that he report daily to an officer of the court. On May 30, however, Marlowe was killed in a quarrel over a bill. • Plays: -The Jew of Malta - Edward the Second - The Massacre at Paris - Doctor Faustus

Plot • Dr. Faustus is dissatisfied with the limited traditional knowledge he owns Exposition • He decides to practice magic and by chance he summons up the devil Mephastophilis § Faustus signs the contract with Lucifer in his blood by • Faustus dies which Dr. Faustus gives his Rising • He is dragged into Resolution life in exchange of 24 years hell to have eternal Actions of service. life there. § Because he will live in hell • The scholars hold a forever after the 24 years, he funeral for him has second thoughts many times and considers repentance § Faustus , with the devil, goes in magical journeys, plays One night before the expiration tricks, and conjures up images Climax Falling Actions of the contract Faustus feels of dead People remorse, but does not repent Many scholars resolve to pray § 24 years is about to end. for Faustus after he summons Faustus is urged to repent, but up the image of Helen Troy he does not.

Main Characters Two magicians Valdes and Cornelius A German Scholar Student of Dr. Faustus Wanger Mephastophilis Bad Angel Good Angel Master of the devils Lucifer

Questions to Consider Ø How is the central conflict introduced to readers in the prologue? Ø According to the chorus, what is the main conflict that Dr. Faustus experiences ? Is it internal or external? Ø How does Faustus resolve to acquire divine knowledge and ultimate power? Ø Throughout the play, the good and the evil are represented symbolically by two minor characters. Who are they? Ø When Mephastophilis appears at first, what is the first reaction of Dr. Faustus? Ø How does Mephastophilis interpret the expulsion of devils from heaven? Ø What is Faustus’s offer that he requests Mephastiphilis to pass to Lucifer?

Questions to Consider Ø While discussing the idea of hell with Mephastophilis, how does Dr. Faustus justify exchanging his soul with 24 years of ultimate power? Ø Does the Bad Angel deny the existence of hell? Why does he foster Dr. Faustus to abandon the idea of repentance? Ø What is the answer of Mephastophilis when Faustus asks him about the creator of this world? Ø When Faustus begs the Christ to save his soul, what is the reaction of Lucifer? Ø Why does Lucifer show Faustus the Seven Deadly Sin? Ø What is Faustus request from Lucifer exactly after he sees the Seven Deadly Sins personified?

Questions to Consider Ø What does Faustus’ fluctuation to consider repentance throughout the play indicate? Ø Does Faustus get over his internal conflict or nor? Ø According to your understanding, what is the major flaw of Dr. Faustus that leads to his tragic end? And what is the moral lesson Marlow may have desired to communicate? Ø How can you relate the characterization of Dr. Faustus with the characteristics of the Elizabethan (renaissance) man?

General Discussion ü In The Poetics Aristotle defines a tragic hero as a character who occupies a high status or position and embodies nobility and virtue as part of his innate character. While great, the tragic hero is not perfect and is therefore able to appear sympathetic to mortal audiences. Due to this imperfection or flaw (hamartia), which is often pride or arrogance (hubris), the hero’s downfall is somewhat his own fault, the result of free will rather than fate. However, the hero’s fall is not completely fair because the punishment exceeds the crime. Prior to his end, the tragic hero experiences a sense of self discovery and sorrow for his flaw and for the outcomes it has produced. Is Dr. Faustus a tragic hero? If not, which parts of the definition fit him and which do not? If he is not a tragic hero, how can he be classified? A heroic humanist? Can a man who sells his soul be considered a hero of any sort? Is he a villain? Explain your answer.

General Discussion ü Marlowe explores the concept of appearance versus reality throughout Dr. Faustus. Trace this theme throughout the play. What seems real at first, but ends up being only illusion? Was the reward Mephostophilis promised in exchange for Faustus’ soul “real? ” Was it worth the price. ü In Dr. Faustus, all characters and their actions are dedicated to develop the main internal conflict of Dr. Faustus who is torn apart between two extremes of life: the good and evil aspects of human beings. How can you argue for or against this claim.

General Discussion ü With reference to the Elizabethan culture and nonconformist ideas , what the are the possible themes (underlying messages) that Marlow may have desired to communicate in his play, Dr. Faustus? ü Some critics classify Marlow’s play Dr. Faustus as a tragedy; others fiercely argue for the claim that it is a morality play dedicated to deliver moral lessons. Based on your understanding of the play, how can you provide clear-cut evidences to dissolve this argument?

General Discussion ü Some critics believe the ending of the play is ambiguous and that Faustus’ final revelations lead him to heaven rather than accompany him to hell. Re-read Act V, scenes ii and iii. What evidence is provided to support each view? What is your interpretation? ü Is Dr. Faustus a Christian allegory or morality play? Or is it an indictment of religion as an imprisonment of freedom? Consider the characteristics of morality plays and allegories, as well as man’s historical struggle between science and religion in the Renaissance. Cite specific evidence from the play to support your answer.