Task 4

"How does Marlowe explore the Gothic themes of over-reaching ambition, sin and evil in the first Act of Dr Faustus?"

 

Throughout the first act of Dr Faustus, Marlowe has explored the gothic themes of over-reaching ambition, sin and evil. Within the prologue, Marlowe has made a comparison between Faustus and Icarus, who is a character in Greek mythology. Faustus’ tale is likened to that of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun and fell to his death when the sun melted his waxen wings. This brings the audience’s attention to the idea of hubris, which in Greek tragedy is excessive pride toward or defiance of the gods, which is represented in the Icarus story. This is a good example of over-reaching ambition.

Marlowe also explores the gothic theme of ‘over-reaching ambition’ within the beginning of Dr Faustus. Marlowe has Faustus deliver a long soliloquy where Faustus himself looks at the most rewarding form of study “settle thy studies”. However, he believes he is far too intelligent for all of his considerations. He firstly considers logic. Greek philosopher Aristotle was a teacher of logic, although Faustus explains that this is not scholarly enough for him. He then looks into medicine, where he quotes the Greek physician Galen. He then explains that medicine is the most fruitful pursuit. Law is the next aspect he considers, but dismisses it as he believes it to be too petty. Shortly afterwards he dismisses religion and fixes his mind on magic, which he believes will make him “a mighty god”. This is another representation of over ambition. Faustus attempts to create a persona that shows he is one of great intelligence and someone who should have a challenging profession which holds him in a strong social status.

 Faustus is revealed to be a sinful man throughout the play. He is continuously making wrong decisions. His first sin is greed. ”He surfeits upon cursed necromancy”. Faustus makes a pact with Lucifer which can be considered as the ultimate sin. This is not only because he disobeys God, but because he consciously renounces obedience to him, choosing instead to swear intelligence to the devil. Another instance of sin is shown through Faustus’ words “necromantic books are heavenly”, which is written in the form of binary opposition. This paradox and oxymoron also shows Faustus’ lack of divinity throughout the play.

Task 3

MEPHISTOPHELES

Mephistopheles is  a demon featured in German folklore. Although originally appeared in literature as the demon in the Faust legend, he has also appeared in other works since as a 'stock character' version of the Devil. Mephistopheles is trapped in his own hell by serving the Devil. He warns Faustus of the choice he is making by "selling his soul" to the Devil. Mephistopheles acts as a guide to Faustus. He is not only a speaker for the Devil, but is also seen as a possible lover to the character. He is a character whom Faustus summons with his initial magical experiments. Mephistopheles' motivations are ambiguous and his goal is to catch Faustus' soul and carry it off to hell, on the other hand he actively attempts to dissuade Faustus from making a deal with Lucifer by warning him about horrors of hell. Mephistopheles is ultimately as a tragic figure as Faustus, with his moving, regretful accounts of what the devils have lost in their eternal separation from God and his repeated reflections on the pain that comes with damnation.

ART FORM:-

Here Mephistopheles' posture, (his crossed arms in particular), shows he is a power character. He is dressed all in red which represents hell. This is ironic as when Mephistopheles is first introduced in the play, he is described as 'the devil', therefore red is a typical colour to portray Mephistopheles. The sword hooked on his left hip creates a feeling of fear and danger. The devilish glare in his eyes draws your attention and entices you. They are unnerving and represent a good portrayal of Mephistopheles.


FILM:-

In this film shot of Mephistopheles he is wearing a cloak. This makes the audience visualise the image of a monk and so reinforces the religious elements within the play. A cloak is a loose outer garment and can be worn to disguise. This builds intrigue as it raises the question of what he could be hiding.  His horns represent a typical 'devil-like' exterior as well as the aspect of hell. His facial expression shows a mysterious side to his personality and behaviour in the play.


LIVE PERFORMANCE:-

In this image of Mephistopheles he is again dressed all in red to symbolise hell. This is a typical and common way to create Mephistopheles. The structure of his arms show power and control, and his facial expression show seriousness. This also emphasises his importance in the play.

Task 2

DR FAUSTUS

The Prologue’s view of Faustus’s ambitions

 

The prologue introduces the figure of Faustus. It shows us that Faustus caused his own damage by practicing ‘necromancy’, communication with the dead. This is evident through his words “surfeits upon cursed necromancy”. This also indicates greed and gluttonous aspects in his character. Although born into a family with little money, “his parents base of stock”, the prologue tells us that Faustus was a wise and intelligent gentleman with ambition and determination to do well in education, “cunning of a self-conceit”; he was successful and studied in Wittenberg; which is the famous university town in eastern Germany. Here Faustus was “graced with doctor’s name” which demonstrates his hard work and achievement. “His waxen wings did mount above his reach” show some present form of self punishment. His waxen wings melted when he flew too close to the sun. This could also be symbolic of his attempt to reach beyond the limits of knowledge by practicing black magic. Towards the end of the prologue, we see that Faustus is a big headed character “falling to a devilish exercise”. Overall the prologue is a story of considerable achievement for a child of humble birth, and it is full of positive terms throughout.

Task 1

CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE

1564-1593

Christopher Marlowe was an English poet and playwright of the Elizabethan era. He greatly influenced William Shakespeare, who became the renowned Elizabethan playwright after Marlowe's death. Marlowe's plays are known for the use of blank verse.  It was thought that his life was much like his characters, short and violent. In 1583, Marlowe received a Bachelor of Arts degree at Corpus Christi College and a Masters degree three years later. Although he was baptised, Marlowe lived his entire life an atheist. He settled in London in 1587, and began his career as a playwright.

 

Marlowe's most noticeable plays:

• Tamburlaine
• Hero and Leander
• Dr. Faustus
• The Jew of Malta
• Edward II

In 1593, Christopher Marlowe fell under suspicion of heresy. A warrant for Marlowe's arrest was issued on May 16th. On Wednesday 30th May age 29, Marlowe was killed. There are numerous accounts of Marlowe's death, but his death remains unknown.