Dr Faustus- Act 5

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.