Plot Summary (Edexcel A-Level English Literature): Revision Notes

Plot Summary

Act I

Scene 1

• Faustus, disillusioned with traditional forms of knowledge (philosophy, medicine, law, and theology), turns to magic.
• Valdes and Cornelius, two magicians, instruct Faustus in the dark arts.
• Faustus conjures up a devil, Mephistophilis, and makes a pact with Lucifer, selling his soul in exchange for 24 years of service from Mephistophilis.

Scene 2

• Faustus's friends, and scholars, worry about his association with Valdes and Cornelius.
• They plan to visit Faustus to dissuade him from his dangerous pursuits.

Act II

Scene 1

• Faustus wavers in his decision and contemplates repentance, but ultimately reaffirms his pact with Lucifer.
• Mephistophilis provides Faustus with a book of spells.

Scene 2

• The Good Angel and the Evil Angel appear, representing Faustus's internal conflict.
• Faustus dismisses the Good Angel's pleas for repentance and continues his path towards damnation.

Scene 3

• Faustus travels and uses his newfound powers to perform various tricks and feats.

Act III

Scene 1

• Faustus visits Rome and, with Mephistophilis, plays tricks on the Pope and his friars, making himself invisible and causing chaos.

Scene 2

• Faustus returns to Germany, where he impresses the Emperor with his magical abilities.
• He conjures up Alexander the Great and his paramour, delighting the court.

Act IV

Scene 1

• Faustus's fame spreads, and he continues to perform magical feats.
• He conjures grapes in winter for the Duke of Vanholt, showcasing his powers.

Scene 2

• Faustus reflects on his impending doom as the end of his 24 years approaches.
• Despite moments of doubt and fear, he is unable to bring himself to repent.

Act V

Scene 1

• Faustus's friends find him distraught and try to comfort him.
• The scholars pray for Faustus, but he believes it is too late for redemption.

Scene 2

• As the final hour approaches, Faustus is tormented by visions of hell.
• He desperately seeks a way out but ultimately resigns himself to his fate.
• Devils appear and drag Faustus to hell.

Scene 3

• The scholars discover Faustus's tragic fate and lament his damnation.
• They resolve to remember his story as a warning against the dangers of ambition and the pursuit of forbidden knowledge.