Dr Faustus - Act 1

Prologue and Scene 1

• Prologue and Scene 1
  • The play starts with the chorus introducing the action; this is an example of where Marlowe follows the classic Greek Tragedy method of staging the play.
  • However, the play reverts away from classic form by focusing on the exploits on a single man, not of royal heritage. Because of this, it can be stated that, the Doctor Faustus is a morality play with the protagonist being the “everyman” character. This is also seen by the fact he is from “parents of base stock” and not born into the world of knowledge and power.
  • In the prologue, the chorus introduces many of different aspects expressed in the play. For example “cursed necromancy” and “
  • The prologue also makes reference to the Greek Myth of Icarus, who flew to close to the sun after escaping captivity. He promptly fell to his death. This introduces the themes of over reaching and ambition, which are common in the play.
  • “learning’s golden gifts” – knowledge is a the greatest gift that a man can get
  • Scene 1 opens with Faustus’ soliloquy, the fact that it is a soliloquy indicates that the character can not fully make up his mind and procrastinates.
  • There are continual and substantial references to Latin and this shows that he is highly educated. Where he throws around phrases reveals the characters arrogance about having learned so much.
  • There are many references to religion with references to the “Church” “Institute” and “Jerome’s Bible”
  • After a lengthy internal debate, he decides to abandon his previous studies and focus on necromancy and other such topics. The inclusion of “lines, circles…” conveys the conventional practices related to necromancy.
  • Debates all the things he can achieve - greed
  • Example of the gothic element of the explained supernatural.
  • Marlowe’s inclusion of the good and evil angels shows that Faustus’ damnation is not yet decided. Both “sides” are battling for his soul.
  • Alternatively, the angels may be a representation of his conscience. Either way, the angels are a part of play that Marlowe and were not taken from the original folk story.
  • Valdes and Cornelius are the actual tempters for Faustus. Humans make/enforce their own sin?
  • “Divinity is basest of the three” – divinity the worst of all three of his previous studies. However, the use of base could relate to numbers. The base of the current number system is 10. Where he is saying the divinity is the base of law, philosophy etc he is stating that we “count” them based upon divine intervention. Change the base (from divinity to something else) changes the world and its laws.
  
  
  Scene 2
  • The fact that Wagner carries wine relates to the sin of greed and gluttony.
  • Wagner uses bits and scraps of Latin. This could show that he is not as unintelligent as he looks. Alternatively, he tries to be more intelligent.
  • As with many comic scenes, they provide both reliefs for the audience and a different interpretation of the scene that came before.
  
  
  Scene 3
  • The scene opens with another monologue from Faustus. Structurally, it shows the audience will be about his exploits rather than those of his servant.
  •  He attempts to summon Mephistopheles, who he wishes to control.
  • When he eventually comes to Faustus, the line “too ugly to attend me” is spoken. This could show Faustus’ arrogance and wishes to have COMPLETE control over Mephistopheles. Or this could be the first instances where his fear is seen.
  • As the play was staged in a Protestant England, the line “that holy shape [friar] becomes a devil best” may be a direct insult at Catholicism. (contextually, Elizabeth succeeded Mary Tudor who was violent in her rein, the insult may be direct at her minions)
  • “I came here hither my own accord” – suggests that Faustus does not have command over the spirits of hell. Is he himself being used/controlled? He only came in an attempt to capture Faustus’ soul.
  • The “idea” of hell does not appear to have any sway with Faustus. Conveys once again his arrogance. Even when Mephistopheles states what lies in wait, Faustus seems disinterested. Power = Knowledge = Corruption.
  • “Why this is hell, nor am I out of it” – Satan says something similar in Paradise Lost. The absence of god is hell
  • In the last section of speech in the scene, Faustus appears to be overwhelmed by ambition and greed.
  
  
  Scene 4
  ·        Robin the clown – mirror of Faustus in this scene.
  ·        The scene is filled with puns and innuendo that could be delivered successfully on stage and would get a good reception from the audience
  ·        Wagner mock Robins poverty induced appearance
  ·        The comic business regarding money and torture instruments could be showing that greed is a torture or money brings about ill fate.
  ·        The comic characters seem to be 1 dimensional
  
  
  Act 2
  
  
  Scene 1
  • Yet again the scene opens with a short soliloquy from Faustus
  • 3^rd person: part of his is already removed from the body and Lucifer has already got his soul. From this interpretation, he is already damned. However, it could be implied that, the form of the writing could be Faustus looking back from after his damnation.
  • In response to “why use Beelzebub instead of Lucifer?” (from book) as Beelzebub is lord of the flies, Faustus may be referring to decay and death. The line also puts God and Beelzebub on the same status level. Faustus is stating that Lucifer is of greater strength than the one he tried to over throw.
  • The good and evil angels reappear, who signify he can still repent. This completely goes against one of previous points.
  • There are many references to blood in the opening part of this act. Blood could signify death, life force etc. The Line “lukewarm blood” could show he is not fully decided on his fate – the blood is neither hot nor cold.
  • The line “enlarge his kingdom” puts into context that Faustus’ soul in actuality doesn’t have much bearing on the overall scheme of Lucifer’s world.
  • Sealed in blood – cliché for modern audiences.
  • “My blood congeals” – the character at this point has a choice whether to continue his current situation. There is always a choice – Brecht.
  •  “I’ll fetch thee fire” – fire makes the blood run again. Hell = fire. Hell or hellish influences are making him write.
  • Mephistopheles’ asides so a more cunning and robust characterisation from earlier in the play. The sincerity has gone. He has him now.
  • Whole idea of spectacle and allusion when the devils dance. Made for stage. The idea of ritual is also present.
  • The agreement is read out so that the audience understand the pledges made.
  • Through the extended duologue between Mephistopheles and Faustus, many ideas of hell are revealed and once again Faustus’ misunderstanding/arrogance is shown.
  • He also asked for many books – still desires knowledge.
  
  
  Scene 2
  ·        Another comic interlude for the main action.
  ·        The symbol of the clowns could be poignant. Distortion on real life, comedy, foolishness. As Robin and Rafe are a parody to the previous actions, shows how comical Faustus is.
  ·        More puns and innuendo.
  ·        The characters want to use magic to make their lives happier.
  ·        This could all be happening // to the action in the study – shows passing of time.
  
  
  Scene 3
  • The fact that Faustus is arguing with Mephistopheles could show that he doubts his choice of directions already – Procrastination.
  • The fact that Mephistopheles cannot answer all of Faustus’ questions bade upon the universe shows either that Marlowe was not educated in these topics or that Mephistopheles is not as learned as he would like to be. Evil = stupidity therefore Faustus is stupid for agreeing.
  ·        The angels appear once again. Every time Faustus has doubts they appear – wavering.
  ·        “but Faustus never shall repent” – prolepsis
  ·        The fact the two characters talk about astrology is interesting – just don’t know why.
  ·        9 heavens and spheres – the number system of base 9 is related to that of base 3 which is used in Islam for counting prayers – a link to another religion? Shows the lack of advance in science at the time.
  ·        Faustus asked question based on science but gets limited answers.
  ·        Faustus then tries to sweet talk Mephistopheles – it doesn’t work
  ·        After rowing with Mephistopheles, Beelzebub and Lucifer visit Faustus, maybe his soul isn’t guaranteed after all?
  ·        The 7 deadly sins then talk and amuse Faustus. This part could once again relate to the staging of play.
  ·        A fair amount of puns, innuendo and satire in this section especially with Lechery and Gluttony.
  ·        “This feeds my soul” and will seal his fate.
  ·        A book as a parting gift – more knowledge – that is Faustus’ weakness
  
  
  Chorus and Scene 1
  ·        Wagner tells the audience of Faustus’ previous actions as the years have past. There have been many years jumped to this point
  ·        Use of chorus relates back to the format of Greek Tragedy
  ·        The link to Olympus show how power hungry Faustus is – he wants to be as great as the Greek gods. Ironic coming together of two different forms of religion.
  ·        The scene once again starts with a Faustus monologue.
  ·        The scene overall insults Catholicism with reference to how unobservant and frightful the clergymen are.
  ·        In the monologue Faustus comments on his actions during the temporal shift of the play.
  ·        Another comic scene for the audience to enjoy – more light hearted
  ·        More references to hell – the rivers of Hades – Greek Mythology
  ·        “in belly cheer” – Catholicism is full of over indulgent men – Gluttony
  ·        Maledicat dominus – may the lord curse him – maybe this is why God does not appear later in the play
  
  
  Scene 2
  ·        More comic business between Rafe and Robin at the inn keepers expense
  ·        Mephistopheles appears before the slave when summoned as with Faustus. Are they damned too?
  ·        When they are turned into animals they seem to see the bright side of their situations
  ·        The goblet – Christian symbol