Act 5, Scene 1
- Act 5 opens with Wagner telling the audience that the end is near for Faustus, however he does tell us that Faustus is still having banquets, showing that even still Faustus isn't worried about his upcoming death, but not only this, his soul will eternally live in hell, making it seem odd that Faustus isn't worried about this.
-Faustus enters with three scholars who ask him to make Helen of Greece (or Troy) appear. This again shows his want of simple gratification, showing a distinct shift in his personality.
-The Old Man then enters while the scholars exit- the audience would recognise him as a stock character from morality plays. He attempts to persuade Faustus to repent, meaning that he would be able to go to heaven rather than hell, he is still given the choice and yet he still chooses not to. Mephistopheles hands Faustus a dagger which in the late nineteenth century was an illegal act, meaning that Faustus would commit a sin, pushing him further and further towards hell.
-Even still, Faustus is questioning himself-'what shall I do to shun the snares of death'- but Mephistopheles persuades him by telling him that he shall 'tear thy flesh' which means that Faustus again confirms his dedication to Lucifer by again signing a deed. Ultimately this shows the relationship between Faustus and Mephistopheles is a friendship, Faustus clearly doesn't want to let him down.
-Mephistopheles then brings in Helen of Troy, almost as a prize for once again dedicating himself- bringing him to a lower level as 'they kiss'. Rather than Faustus asking philosophical questions, he seems quite satisfied with this, taking him back to his roots. He uses romantic and lyrical language when speaking to Helen of Troy- 'I will wound Achilles in the heel and then return to Helen for a kiss'.
Act 5, Scene 2
-Faustus finally tells the Scholars what he has done, much to their shock. He makes many references to God, calling him 'my god' showing that he still feels as though he has a responsibility towards him, as though there is still some kind of relationship with him even though for 24 years he has been dedicated to Lucifer. He also makes reference to Adam and Eve, likening himself to them and their temptations towards greed for knowledge and wealth.
-Faustus seems to have finally realised what he has done when he says that 'for vain pleasure of four-and-twenty years hath Faustus lost eternal joy and felicity'. He has finally realised that while he may have had some enjoyment for 24 years, he now will endure eternal damnation in hell, he suddenly realises that it was a poor deal when he could eternally live in happiness in heaven.
-The stage directions then show that Faustus is aware as 'the clock strikes eleven', 'the clock striketh twelve', showing that Faustus' time is almost up and it is quickly closing in on him as he cannot escape his inevitable future. Suddenly there is 'thunder and lightening', bringing in the Gothic elements as the weather changes as evil arrives. Lucifer, Mephistopheles and other devils enter, telling Faustus and the audience that his time has come.
-His final line of 'Ah, Mephistopheles' is quite ambiguous as it could mean that he feels safe knowing that his sort of friend from 24 years is there to take care of him, or it could mean that he is asking for Mephistopheles help, hoping that he will take pity on him.
Wednesday, 12 March 2014
Dr Faustus- Act 4
Act 4, Chorus
-The chorus describes how Faustus' 'fame spread forth in every land'. This shows that he has become a celebrity type character, allowing us an insight into what he has been doing with his time. A big problem with this is that he has become public property, therefore meaning that he has to be careful that his secret isn't revealed. It also raises the question about whether this fame is for personal gratification or whether it is for the good of everyone. However, it is explained that people have 'wondered at his wit', suggesting that he is famous because of his personality rather than any good that he has done for society.
Act 4, Scene 1
- This scene opens with Faustus and Mephistopheles are joined by an Emperor and a Knight- this shows that he has become accepted by those within the upper classes. It may be that he has secretly wished for this all along as he originally came from 'base of stock', perhaps suggesting that he didn't feel good enough for these people but now that he has been accepted, he may feel fulfilled.
-However, it quickly becomes clear that he will never become one of them as he sucks up the the Emperor- 'I must confess myself far inferior to...the honour of your Imperial Majesty'- showing that he probably will never be equal to him. It becomes very obvious that he resents this as when the Knight interrupts him, Faustus makes a fool of him by giving him horns to represent a cuckold. Although Faustus says he's inferior, he clearly believes himself to be superior to the Knight, clearly indicating his arrogance.
-The emperor then tells Faustus that he will receive a 'bounteous reward', portraying Faustus as a mere performer. He is just being paid to perform tricks, he has shown us nothing of what in the beginning he said he would use his power for. He said that he would 'have them read (him) strange philosophy' and 'fill the public schools with silk', however, he's actually done nothing of the sort, he's only done it for the fame.
-He then mentions his deal with the devil and explains that 'short'ning (his) days and thread of vital life, calls for the payment of (his) latest years', showing that much time has passed and that he doesn't have much time left. However, he then says that he will 'walk on foot', suggesting that he doesn't feel an urgency to make the most of his time yet.
- Faustus then sells his horse to the Horse-Courser, he even tells him not to ride it into the water, however he does this and comes back with his horse having turned into hay. Instead of Faustus apologising for this, he plays a trick on him when the Horse-Courser pulls his leg and pulls it clean off. This is cruel of Faustus because the Horse-Courser is poor and instead of helping him, he makes him feel even worse. This epitomises what Faustus has turned into as instead of him helping human kind which is what he promised to do, he actually makes a fool of human kind.
Act 4, Scene 2
-Again in this scene, Faustus turns into his performer persona (or perhaps this is who he has actually turned into), when he is in the presence of the Duke and Duchess. He again performs tricks for them, however the relationship between himself and Mephistopheles is clearly highlighted in this scene. He simply says 'Mephistopheles, begone!' which shows that he is just treating him as a servant, expecting him to run around after him. It's immediately clear that he is taking this for granted and adds to the kind of person that he has become.
- Faustus also seems to be quite flirtatious with the Duchess as he tells her he will get her anything that she wants-'Were it a greater thing than this, so it would content you, you should have it'- showing that he is aiming to please her no matter what it is. It is also clear that Mephistopheles has not found him a wife, making him more like Robin and Rafe as he is probably searching for sexual gratification.
-The chorus describes how Faustus' 'fame spread forth in every land'. This shows that he has become a celebrity type character, allowing us an insight into what he has been doing with his time. A big problem with this is that he has become public property, therefore meaning that he has to be careful that his secret isn't revealed. It also raises the question about whether this fame is for personal gratification or whether it is for the good of everyone. However, it is explained that people have 'wondered at his wit', suggesting that he is famous because of his personality rather than any good that he has done for society.
Act 4, Scene 1
- This scene opens with Faustus and Mephistopheles are joined by an Emperor and a Knight- this shows that he has become accepted by those within the upper classes. It may be that he has secretly wished for this all along as he originally came from 'base of stock', perhaps suggesting that he didn't feel good enough for these people but now that he has been accepted, he may feel fulfilled.
-However, it quickly becomes clear that he will never become one of them as he sucks up the the Emperor- 'I must confess myself far inferior to...the honour of your Imperial Majesty'- showing that he probably will never be equal to him. It becomes very obvious that he resents this as when the Knight interrupts him, Faustus makes a fool of him by giving him horns to represent a cuckold. Although Faustus says he's inferior, he clearly believes himself to be superior to the Knight, clearly indicating his arrogance.
-The emperor then tells Faustus that he will receive a 'bounteous reward', portraying Faustus as a mere performer. He is just being paid to perform tricks, he has shown us nothing of what in the beginning he said he would use his power for. He said that he would 'have them read (him) strange philosophy' and 'fill the public schools with silk', however, he's actually done nothing of the sort, he's only done it for the fame.
-He then mentions his deal with the devil and explains that 'short'ning (his) days and thread of vital life, calls for the payment of (his) latest years', showing that much time has passed and that he doesn't have much time left. However, he then says that he will 'walk on foot', suggesting that he doesn't feel an urgency to make the most of his time yet.
- Faustus then sells his horse to the Horse-Courser, he even tells him not to ride it into the water, however he does this and comes back with his horse having turned into hay. Instead of Faustus apologising for this, he plays a trick on him when the Horse-Courser pulls his leg and pulls it clean off. This is cruel of Faustus because the Horse-Courser is poor and instead of helping him, he makes him feel even worse. This epitomises what Faustus has turned into as instead of him helping human kind which is what he promised to do, he actually makes a fool of human kind.
Act 4, Scene 2
-Again in this scene, Faustus turns into his performer persona (or perhaps this is who he has actually turned into), when he is in the presence of the Duke and Duchess. He again performs tricks for them, however the relationship between himself and Mephistopheles is clearly highlighted in this scene. He simply says 'Mephistopheles, begone!' which shows that he is just treating him as a servant, expecting him to run around after him. It's immediately clear that he is taking this for granted and adds to the kind of person that he has become.
- Faustus also seems to be quite flirtatious with the Duchess as he tells her he will get her anything that she wants-'Were it a greater thing than this, so it would content you, you should have it'- showing that he is aiming to please her no matter what it is. It is also clear that Mephistopheles has not found him a wife, making him more like Robin and Rafe as he is probably searching for sexual gratification.
Saturday, 8 March 2014
Dr Faustus- Act 3
Act 3, Chorus
-Wagner tells us about how Faustus has been travelling, however it's interesting that it seems to only be within Europe, this is perhaps because he didn't believe societies outside of Europe weren't civilised, or it is possible because Marlowe himself didn't travel so therefore didn't know what these places were like.
-He then ends up in Rome which is by the Mediterranean sea, meaning middle of the Earth suggesting that at that time, it was seen as one of the best countries in the world. It is also interesting that he travels here because it is home to the Catholic Church with Pope.
Act 3, Scene 1
-There's a difference in the tone as much of the play has been Faustus undecided whether he did the right thing, torn between repenting and again becoming religious or staying on the side of the Devil. However, it seems that Faustus is finally having fun with his power when he wears an invisible robe. He takes advantage of this and steals many of the Pope's things, right from his hand. He then 'hits him a box of the ear', meaning that he hits the Pope over the head, showing that he is beginning to enjoy himself. He then goes on to 'beat the Friars', however this doesn't seem to fit with his academic profile as he has resorted to violence, this shows a shift in Faustus' personality.
Act 3, Scene 2
-This again shows a mirror of the scene before it, however it is slightly different because the previous was also a comedic scene.
-The Vintner accuses both Rafe and Robin of stealing a goblet which they have but they tell him to search them and they pass it behind their backs to each other.
-Robin then makes up words that sound to be Latin to call Mephistopheles who then appears, sending the Vintner running. Mephistopheles proceeds to turn Robin into an ape and Rafe into a dog.
-Wagner tells us about how Faustus has been travelling, however it's interesting that it seems to only be within Europe, this is perhaps because he didn't believe societies outside of Europe weren't civilised, or it is possible because Marlowe himself didn't travel so therefore didn't know what these places were like.
-He then ends up in Rome which is by the Mediterranean sea, meaning middle of the Earth suggesting that at that time, it was seen as one of the best countries in the world. It is also interesting that he travels here because it is home to the Catholic Church with Pope.
Act 3, Scene 1
-There's a difference in the tone as much of the play has been Faustus undecided whether he did the right thing, torn between repenting and again becoming religious or staying on the side of the Devil. However, it seems that Faustus is finally having fun with his power when he wears an invisible robe. He takes advantage of this and steals many of the Pope's things, right from his hand. He then 'hits him a box of the ear', meaning that he hits the Pope over the head, showing that he is beginning to enjoy himself. He then goes on to 'beat the Friars', however this doesn't seem to fit with his academic profile as he has resorted to violence, this shows a shift in Faustus' personality.
Act 3, Scene 2
-This again shows a mirror of the scene before it, however it is slightly different because the previous was also a comedic scene.
-The Vintner accuses both Rafe and Robin of stealing a goblet which they have but they tell him to search them and they pass it behind their backs to each other.
-Robin then makes up words that sound to be Latin to call Mephistopheles who then appears, sending the Vintner running. Mephistopheles proceeds to turn Robin into an ape and Rafe into a dog.
Dr Faustus- Act 2
Act 2, Scene 1
-Much like Act 1, Scene 1, this scene opens with Faustus in his study. However rather than the bored tone that Faustus used, he seems to adopt a worried tone as he begins to question himself after making the decision to sell his soul to the devil. He asks himself lots of questions like 'why waverest thou?', however he speaks using second person, implying that he is distancing himself from the way that he feels. The noun 'God' is repeated, showing that this is on his mind because he may feel like he has betrayed him. Faustus needs reassurance and so his conscious enters in the form of Good Angel and Evil Angel. The only thing that seems to capture his attention is when Evil Angel speaks of 'honour and wealth', showing Faustus' greedy side.
-Immediately Faustus calls Mephistopheles who asks him to 'write a deed of gift with thine own blood', this brings in a Gothic element as it signifies an unbreakable contract with the devil who wants his soul. However, it seems that there is a supernatural sign when his 'blood congeals' meaning that he cannot sign the deed and he says 'is not thy soul thine own?' suggesting that he is once again questioning whether this is the right thing to do, yet he persists and finally signs his soul over to the devil.
-He now has the power to do anything that he wishes as he has spoken lengthily about material possessions, however the first thing he does with his power is ask Mephistopheles 'where is the place that men call hell?', perhaps suggesting that he isn't quite as materialistic as we thought and that he is in fact the intellectual man that he began as, showing that he is more interested in extending his knowledge.
-Mephistopheles replies 'All places shall be hell that is not heaven'. This is suggesting that even Earth is hell which may help make Faustus' decision as Earth doesn't seem to be that bad.
-One of the first things that Faustus asks for is a wife, this tells us that he is lonely, showing a similarity between himself and the creature from Frankenstein.
Act 2, Scene 2
-This scene is a mirror of the scene before it however it shows its from a lower class. Their crude language makes this a comedic scene.
Act 2, Scene 3
-This scene opens with Faustus and Mephistopheles in his study, however Faustus calls him 'wicked Mephistopheles', again showing his doubt in what he has agreed to. This is backed up when Good Angel and Evil angel enter and yet again, he takes the Evil Angels advice and agrees that he 'cannot repent'.
-Faustus references the story of Paris' abandonment of Oenone for Helen, and later when Paris is in trouble, Oenone refuses to cure but later kills herself with regret. This is perhaps what he believes will happen, Paris being himself, Helen Lucifer and Oenone God. He then asks Mephistopheles about astrology, showing that he is not 'everyman' as many like Robin and Rafe would just want sexual gratification.
-Mephistopheles and Faustus' speech gradually becomes quite similar, making it hard to determine who is saying what. Their speech is in the format of call and response, showing the quick pace. .
-Even after he has signed the deed, he is still asking himself if it's 'not too late', still showing that he isn't sure of what he has done, again being reinforced by the entrance of Good Angel and Evil Angel, acting as his conscience. It's as if Lucifer knows this as he immediately appears with Beelzebub, telling Faustus that it is too late and to 'not think of God.' He then makes the seven deadly sins appear as a way of persuasion.
-Much like Act 1, Scene 1, this scene opens with Faustus in his study. However rather than the bored tone that Faustus used, he seems to adopt a worried tone as he begins to question himself after making the decision to sell his soul to the devil. He asks himself lots of questions like 'why waverest thou?', however he speaks using second person, implying that he is distancing himself from the way that he feels. The noun 'God' is repeated, showing that this is on his mind because he may feel like he has betrayed him. Faustus needs reassurance and so his conscious enters in the form of Good Angel and Evil Angel. The only thing that seems to capture his attention is when Evil Angel speaks of 'honour and wealth', showing Faustus' greedy side.
-Immediately Faustus calls Mephistopheles who asks him to 'write a deed of gift with thine own blood', this brings in a Gothic element as it signifies an unbreakable contract with the devil who wants his soul. However, it seems that there is a supernatural sign when his 'blood congeals' meaning that he cannot sign the deed and he says 'is not thy soul thine own?' suggesting that he is once again questioning whether this is the right thing to do, yet he persists and finally signs his soul over to the devil.
-He now has the power to do anything that he wishes as he has spoken lengthily about material possessions, however the first thing he does with his power is ask Mephistopheles 'where is the place that men call hell?', perhaps suggesting that he isn't quite as materialistic as we thought and that he is in fact the intellectual man that he began as, showing that he is more interested in extending his knowledge.
-Mephistopheles replies 'All places shall be hell that is not heaven'. This is suggesting that even Earth is hell which may help make Faustus' decision as Earth doesn't seem to be that bad.
-One of the first things that Faustus asks for is a wife, this tells us that he is lonely, showing a similarity between himself and the creature from Frankenstein.
Act 2, Scene 2
-This scene is a mirror of the scene before it however it shows its from a lower class. Their crude language makes this a comedic scene.
Act 2, Scene 3
-This scene opens with Faustus and Mephistopheles in his study, however Faustus calls him 'wicked Mephistopheles', again showing his doubt in what he has agreed to. This is backed up when Good Angel and Evil angel enter and yet again, he takes the Evil Angels advice and agrees that he 'cannot repent'.
-Faustus references the story of Paris' abandonment of Oenone for Helen, and later when Paris is in trouble, Oenone refuses to cure but later kills herself with regret. This is perhaps what he believes will happen, Paris being himself, Helen Lucifer and Oenone God. He then asks Mephistopheles about astrology, showing that he is not 'everyman' as many like Robin and Rafe would just want sexual gratification.
-Mephistopheles and Faustus' speech gradually becomes quite similar, making it hard to determine who is saying what. Their speech is in the format of call and response, showing the quick pace. .
-Even after he has signed the deed, he is still asking himself if it's 'not too late', still showing that he isn't sure of what he has done, again being reinforced by the entrance of Good Angel and Evil Angel, acting as his conscience. It's as if Lucifer knows this as he immediately appears with Beelzebub, telling Faustus that it is too late and to 'not think of God.' He then makes the seven deadly sins appear as a way of persuasion.
Tuesday, 4 March 2014
Dr Faustus- Act 1
Prologue
-The Chorus begins by telling the audience what the play is not going to be about, Marlowe explaining that it's not going to be about 'the dalliance of love' or of 'proud audacious deeds'. This therefore is telling you what you should expect, almost bringing the audience down from any romanticised ideas about romance or war.
-It then goes on to introduce Faustus' character, which quite early on explains his parents were 'base of stock', this is important because in the 17th Century there was little social mobility. It's therefore obvious from the outset that he is not 'everyman' and sets him apart and perhaps above the rest.
-Faustus' academia is introduced, however this is shortly followed by the tale of Icarus who flew too close to the sun and fell because he became overambitious, it is possible that Marlowe is foreshadowing events that happen in Faustus' tale.
-Finally his interest in 'curséd necromancy' is introduced, this is dark magic which implies that this may be the catalyst to his downfall.
Act 1, Scene 1
-The scene begins with Faustus in his study, he mentions lots of philosophers names and reads in Latin passages from books. This all implies how academic he is, however he refers to himself in second person- 'Settle thy studies, Faustus'- which shows that he is distancing himself, as if Faustus is another person making the decisions.
-The theme of religion is introduced when he speaks of the Church and 'Jerome's Bible', however he seems to move on quickly when he picks up a 'necromantic book'. This finally seems to captivate his attention and he goes into great detail. The mention of magicians introduces a supernatural element to the play, which in turn is an element of the Gothic genre. This is reinforced when the Good Angel and the Evil Angel are used to symbolise Faustus' conscience, this is an important element of the play because it allows us as the audience to see Faustus' decision making, showing that he is seriously weighing up whether to study magic.
-Faustus asks his friends to visit him, seemingly to persuade him to take up dark magic, however it seems that Faustus has already made his mind up- 'your words have won me at the last'. However his decision seems to be quite spontaneous because although the Good Angel gave him advice, he seems to only be able to think of the things that he 'most desires', therefore only really taking notice of what the Evil Angel said.
Act 1, Scene 2
-This scene shows an outsiders perspective of necromancy, both the First Scholar and the Second Scholar worry that Faustus has been taken in by magic and his friends. It is the first time that we hear the negative sides of what he is doing as we have only heard the positive, this gives a more balanced view.
Act 1, Scene 3
-Scene three opens with Faustus attempting to conjure up Mephistopheles, showing him actually practising dark magic rather than just talking about it. The pace seems to speed up through the use of exclamation marks, showing that he is excited by what he has done. When Mephistopheles appears, Faustus explains that he will 'dedicate himself' to Lucifer which seems like a big promise to make when it feels like he hasn't really put that much thought into it. This would also be very shocking for the audience because when the play was written, the world was deeply religious, making it shocking when anyone deviated from this path.
-Faustus is given 24 years to live in luxury with Mephistopheles catering to his every need until he finally has to give his soul up to the devil and live forever in hell. However, when Faustus asks how Mephistopheles is out of hell, he answers that 'this is hell', perhaps helping Faustus' decision because he may feel that earth isn't bad at all.
Act 1, Scene 4
-This comic scene seems to almost mirror the scene before it but showing it from a lower class perspective. This is interesting because Faustus is seen to be upper class, while his servant lower class but we know from the prologue that Faustus himself is from a lower class background, this therefore emphasises and highlights the differences between the classes. This is highlighted through their use of crude language- 'If you turn me into anything, let it be in the likeness of a little, pretty, frisking flea, that I may be here and there and everywhere. O, I'll tickle the pretty wenches' plackets!'
-The theme of religion is introduced when he speaks of the Church and 'Jerome's Bible', however he seems to move on quickly when he picks up a 'necromantic book'. This finally seems to captivate his attention and he goes into great detail. The mention of magicians introduces a supernatural element to the play, which in turn is an element of the Gothic genre. This is reinforced when the Good Angel and the Evil Angel are used to symbolise Faustus' conscience, this is an important element of the play because it allows us as the audience to see Faustus' decision making, showing that he is seriously weighing up whether to study magic.
-Faustus asks his friends to visit him, seemingly to persuade him to take up dark magic, however it seems that Faustus has already made his mind up- 'your words have won me at the last'. However his decision seems to be quite spontaneous because although the Good Angel gave him advice, he seems to only be able to think of the things that he 'most desires', therefore only really taking notice of what the Evil Angel said.
Act 1, Scene 2
-This scene shows an outsiders perspective of necromancy, both the First Scholar and the Second Scholar worry that Faustus has been taken in by magic and his friends. It is the first time that we hear the negative sides of what he is doing as we have only heard the positive, this gives a more balanced view.
Act 1, Scene 3
-Scene three opens with Faustus attempting to conjure up Mephistopheles, showing him actually practising dark magic rather than just talking about it. The pace seems to speed up through the use of exclamation marks, showing that he is excited by what he has done. When Mephistopheles appears, Faustus explains that he will 'dedicate himself' to Lucifer which seems like a big promise to make when it feels like he hasn't really put that much thought into it. This would also be very shocking for the audience because when the play was written, the world was deeply religious, making it shocking when anyone deviated from this path.
-Faustus is given 24 years to live in luxury with Mephistopheles catering to his every need until he finally has to give his soul up to the devil and live forever in hell. However, when Faustus asks how Mephistopheles is out of hell, he answers that 'this is hell', perhaps helping Faustus' decision because he may feel that earth isn't bad at all.
Act 1, Scene 4
-This comic scene seems to almost mirror the scene before it but showing it from a lower class perspective. This is interesting because Faustus is seen to be upper class, while his servant lower class but we know from the prologue that Faustus himself is from a lower class background, this therefore emphasises and highlights the differences between the classes. This is highlighted through their use of crude language- 'If you turn me into anything, let it be in the likeness of a little, pretty, frisking flea, that I may be here and there and everywhere. O, I'll tickle the pretty wenches' plackets!'
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