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.