Character Analysis

Doctor Faustus

Overview

Key Moments in the Play

Faustus' Pact with the Devil (Act 1, Scene 3):

• Faustus makes a pact with Mephistopheles, signing his soul away to Lucifer in exchange for 24 years of unlimited knowledge and magical powers.

• This moment highlights Faustus' ambition and willingness to forsake his soul for earthly gains, setting the stage for his tragic downfall. Summoning of Helen of Troy (Act 5, Scene 1):

• Faustus conjures the spirit of Helen of Troy, famously remarking on her beauty with the line "Was this the face that launched a thousand ships?"

• This scene underscores Faustus' continued pursuit of superficial and fleeting pleasures, even as his time runs out. Final Soliloquy and Damnation (Act 5, Scene 2):

• In his final hours, Faustus laments his fate and begs for mercy, but it is too late, and he is ultimately dragged to hell by demons.

• This moment captures the tragic end of Faustus' journey, emphasizing the consequences of his hubris and the irrevocable nature of his pact.

Key Themes

• Ambition and the Quest for Power: Faustus' desire to transcend human limitations and achieve god-like power drives his actions throughout the play, ultimately leading to his ruin.
• The Conflict between Good and Evil: The play explores the battle between Faustus' aspirations and the moral consequences of his pact with the devil, symbolized by the good and evil angels who attempt to influence him.
• The Limits of Human Knowledge: Faustus' insatiable thirst for knowledge and his ultimate dissatisfaction reflect the Renaissance humanist pursuit of intellectual achievement and its potential pitfalls.

Key Quotes

"Why, this is hell, nor am I out of it." (Act 1, Scene 3)

• Faustus expresses his realization that the torment of hell is not merely a place but a state of being, indicating his growing awareness of the consequences of his actions.
• This quote highlights the psychological torment Faustus endures, as he begins to understand the true cost of his pact with Lucifer.

"Was this the face that launched a thousand ships, And burnt the topless towers of Ilium?" (Act 5, Scene 1)

• Faustus is captivated by the beauty of Helen of Troy, whom he has summoned, demonstrating his continued obsession with earthly desires.
• This quote illustrates Faustus' inability to learn from his mistakes, as he remains fixated on transient pleasures even as his damnation approaches.

"Faustus' offence can ne'er be pardoned: the serpent that tempted Eve may be saved, but not Faustus." (Act 5, Scene 2)

• In his final moments, Faustus acknowledges the irrevocability of his sins, comparing his fate to the biblical fall of man.
• This quote underscores the themes of sin and redemption, as Faustus recognizes the permanence of his damnation and the futility of seeking forgiveness.

"My God, my God, look not so fierce on me!" (Act 5, Scene 2)

• As Faustus faces his final judgment, he pleads for mercy, highlighting his desperation and fear.
• This quote emphasizes the tragic nature of Faustus' end, as his pleas go unanswered and he is ultimately condemned to hell.

Mephastophilis

Overview

Key Moments in the Play

First Appearance (Act 1, Scene 3):

• Mephastophilis is summoned by Faustus during his initial attempt at necromancy.

• This moment marks the beginning of Faustus's direct dealings with the demonic, setting the stage for his eventual damnation. Faustus's Signing of the Contract (Act 2, Scene 1):

• Mephastophilis assists Faustus in signing his pact with Lucifer, using his blood.

• This scene underscores the irreversible nature of Faustus's decision and the binding power of his deal with the devil. Conjuring Helen of Troy (Act 5, Scene 1):

• At Faustus's request, Mephastophilis summons Helen of Troy.

• This act highlights Mephastophilis's role in indulging Faustus's desires, further entrenching him in sin.

Key Themes

• Temptation and Damnation: Mephastophilis embodies the allure of forbidden knowledge and power, continually tempting Faustus and ensuring his path to damnation.
• Servitude and Manipulation: Although Mephastophilis serves Faustus, he ultimately manipulates him to fulfil Lucifer's will, revealing the duplicitous nature of demonic servitude.
• Regret and Despair: Mephastophilis's expressions of misery and regret provide a grim reflection of Faustus's fate, emphasizing the consequences of turning away from God.

Key Quotes

"I am a servant to great Lucifer, / And may not follow thee without his leave." (Act 1, Scene 3)

• Mephastophilis asserts his servitude to Lucifer, emphasizing his lack of autonomy.
• This quote highlights the hierarchical nature of the demonic world and foreshadows Faustus's loss of freedom.

"Why, this is hell, nor am I out of it." (Act 1, Scene 3)

• Mephastophilis reveals his torment, despite not being physically in hell.
• The quote underscores the pervasive nature of damnation and serves as a warning to Faustus about the true cost of his pact.

"For when we hear one rack the name of God, / Abjure the Scriptures and his savior Christ, / We fly in hope to get his glorious soul." (Act 1, Scene 3)

• Mephastophilis explains the devils' eagerness to claim souls that blaspheme against God.
• This quote highlights the spiritual stakes of Faustus's actions and the demonic pursuit of souls.

"Had I as many souls as there be stars, / I'd give them all for Mephastophilis." (Act 1, Scene 3)

• Faustus expresses his willingness to trade countless souls for Mephastophilis's service.
• This statement reflects Faustus's reckless ambition and disregard for the value of his soul.

Wagner

Overview

Key Moments in the Play

Recruiting the Clown (Act 1, Scene 4):

• Wagner persuades a clown to become his servant, promising to teach him magic in return.

• This scene parallels Faustus's pact with Lucifer, highlighting the theme of servitude and ambition on a smaller scale. Inheriting Faustus's Wealth (Act 5, Scene 1):

• Wagner reveals that Faustus has bequeathed his property to him, suggesting a transfer of knowledge and power.

• This moment signifies the continuation of Faustus's legacy, even as he faces damnation.

Key Themes

• Ambition and Servitude: Wagner's actions reflect the themes of ambition and servitude, paralleling Faustus's quest for power through his willingness to serve and learn from his master.
• Comic Relief and Satire: Wagner provides comic relief and satirical commentary on the main plot, using humour to explore serious themes.

Key Quotes

"I will teach thee to turn thyself to a dog, or a cat, or a mouse, or a rat, or anything." (Act 1, Scene 4)

• Wagner promises magical transformations to the clown, showcasing his ambition to wield power.
• This quote underscores the absurdity and the danger of seeking power without understanding its consequences.

"I think my master means to die shortly, / For he hath given to me all his goods." (Act 5, Scene 1)

• Wagner reflects on Faustus's impending death and his inheritance of his master's wealth.
• This quote highlights the theme of legacy and the transfer of knowledge and power, as well as the inevitability of Faustus's fate.

Lucifer

Overview

Key Moments in the Play

The Pact (Act 2, Scene 1):

• Lucifer accepts Faustus's offer of his soul in exchange for 24 years of power and knowledge.

• This moment seals Faustus's fate and exemplifies the transactional nature of sin and damnation. The Seven Deadly Sins (Act 2, Scene 3):

• Lucifer entertains Faustus by summoning personifications of the Seven Deadly Sins.

• This scene highlights the enticement of sin and Faustus's continued descent into moral corruption.

Key Themes

• Temptation and Sin: Lucifer's role is to tempt Faustus and secure his soul, embodying the play's exploration of sin and its consequences.
• Power and Control: As the ruler of hell, Lucifer represents ultimate power and control, manipulating Faustus through Mephastophilis.

Key Quotes

"Christ cannot save thy soul, for he is just." (Act 2, Scene 3)

• Lucifer lies to Faustus, convincing him that Christ cannot offer salvation.
• This quote reflects Lucifer's manipulative nature and the theme of despair in the face of sin.

"Hell hath no limits, nor is circumscribed / In one self place; for where we are is hell, / And where hell is, there must we ever be." (Act 2, Scene 1)

• Lucifer explains the nature of hell as an omnipresent state of being.
• This quote emphasizes the pervasive and inescapable nature of damnation.

Chorus

Overview

Key Moments in the Play

Prologue

• The Chorus introduces Faustus, recounting his rise from humble beginnings to a renowned scholar.

• This introduction sets the stage for Faustus's tragic fall, highlighting his ambition and hubris. Epilogue

• The Chorus concludes the play by reflecting on Faustus's fate and offering a moral lesson to the audience.

• This final speech reinforces the play's themes of sin, repentance, and the consequences of defying divine order.

Key Themes

• Ambition and Hubris: The Chorus's commentary emphasizes Faustus's overreaching ambition and the dangers of excessive pride.
• Moral and Philosophical Reflection: Through the Chorus, Marlowe explores the moral and philosophical dimensions of Faustus's actions and their consequences.

Key Quotes

"His waxen wings did mount above his reach, / And melting heavens conspired his overthrow." (Prologue)

• The Chorus compares Faustus to Icarus, whose ambition led to his downfall.
• This metaphor highlights the theme of hubris and foreshadows Faustus's tragic end.

"Cut is the branch that might have grown full straight, / And burned is Apollo's laurel bough." (Epilogue)

• The Chorus laments Faustus's wasted potential and tragic fate.
• This quote underscores the consequences of Faustus's choices and the play's moral lesson.

Good Angel and Evil Angel

Overview

Key Moments in the Play

First Appearance (Act 1, Scene 1):

• The angels appear to Faustus, each trying to influence his decision to pursue magic.

• This moment establishes the moral conflict that will persist throughout the play. Final Appearance (Act 2, Scene 3):

• The angels reappear when Faustus considers repenting, each delivering their respective messages.

• This scene highlights the ongoing battle for Faustus's soul and his ultimate failure to repent.

Key Themes

• Moral Conflict: The angels symbolize the internal moral conflict within Faustus, reflecting his struggle between sin and redemption.
• Temptation and Repentance: The Good Angel and Evil Angel's appearances mark critical points where Faustus is tempted to repent or continue sinning.

Key Quotes

"O Faustus, lay that damned book aside, / And gaze not on it, lest it tempt thy soul." (Act 1, Scene 1)

• The Good Angel urges Faustus to reject necromancy and seek redemption.
• This quote emphasizes the theme of temptation and the possibility of salvation.

"Too late!" (Act 2, Scene 3)

• The Evil Angel insists that it is too late for Faustus to repent, driving him further into despair.
• This quote reflects the theme of hopelessness and the irreversible consequences of Faustus's choices.

Robin

Overview

Key Moments in the Play

Stealing Faustus's Spellbook (Act 2, Scene 2):

• Robin steals one of Faustus's spell books and attempts to use it for his amusement.

• This scene highlights the folly of misusing powerful knowledge. Summoning Mephastophilis (Act 3, Scene 2):

• Robin and his friend Rafe accidentally summon Mephastophilis while trying to perform magic.

• This moment underscores the danger and absurdity of dabbling in the dark arts without understanding their consequences.

Key Themes

• Folly and Ignorance: Robin's actions reflect the theme of folly and the consequences of misusing knowledge.

• Comic Relief: Through his humorous escapades, Robin provides comic relief while also satirizing the main plot's themes of ambition and power.

Key Quotes

"I will make all the maidens in our parish dance at my pleasure stark naked before me." (Act 2, Scene 2)

• Robin boasts about the power he hopes to wield through magic.
• This quote underscores Robin's foolishness and the trivial uses to which he plans to put his newfound abilities.

"Monarch of hell, under whose black survey / Great potentates do kneel with awful fear." (Act 3, Scene 2)

• Robin inadvertently summons Mephastophilis, revealing his lack of control over the dark forces he attempts to command.
• This quote highlights the serious consequences of misusing powerful knowledge, even in a comedic context.

Horse-Courser

Overview

Key Moments in the Play

Buying Faustus's Horse (Act 4, Scene 2):

• The Horse-Courser purchases a horse from Faustus, who warns him not to ride it into the water.

• This transaction sets up a humorous yet instructive episode highlighting Faustus's deceptive use of magic. Confronting Faustus (Act 4, Scene 2):

• After the horse disappears in the water, the Horse-Courser confronts Faustus, who tricks him by pretending to lose a leg.

• This scene underscores the theme of trickery and the absurdity of Faustus's misuse of his powers.

Key Themes

• Deception and Trickery: The Horse-Courser's interactions with Faustus illustrate the theme of deceit and the consequences of trusting dishonest individuals.
• Comic Relief: The Horse-Courser's experiences provide comic relief while also highlighting the foolishness of both characters.

Key Quotes

"Doctor Faustus gave me the leg again, and yet I'll return him the horse again." (Act 4, Scene 2)

• The Horse-Courser reflects on the bizarre incident with Faustus and his disappearing horse.
• This quote emphasizes the absurdity and humour in Faustus's deceptive practices.

"A plague on you for a hot whore-master." (Act 4, Scene 2)

• The Horse-Courser curses Faustus after being tricked and humiliated.
• This quote underscores the consequences of Faustus's deceitful behaviour and the comic frustration of the Horse-Courser.

The Pope

Overview

Key Moments in the Play

Faustus and Mephastophilis Visit the Pope (Act 3, Scene 1):

• Faustus and Mephastophilis visit the Pope's private chambers, making themselves invisible to play pranks on him.

• This scene highlights Faustus's irreverence and the theme of blasphemy. Pranks on the Pope (Act 3, Scene 1):

• Faustus and Mephastophilis play tricks on the Pope and his cardinals during a banquet, causing chaos and confusion.

• This moment exemplifies Faustus's misuse of his powers for trivial and blasphemous purposes.

Key Themes

• Blasphemy and Irreverence: Faustus's pranks on the Pope underscore the theme of blasphemy and his defiance of religious authority.
• Anti-Catholic Sentiment: The play reflects contemporary anti-Catholic sentiment through its depiction of the Pope as a target of ridicule and mockery.

Key Quotes

"What, are you crossing of yourself? Well, use that trick no more I would advise you." (Act 3, Scene 1)

• Faustus mocks the Pope's religious gestures, highlighting his irreverence.
• This quote reflects Faustus's blasphemous attitude and his defiance of religious practices.

"I am content to do whatsoever your Holiness shall command me." (Act 3, Scene 1)

• Faustus sarcastically offers to obey the Pope while planning his pranks.
• This quote underscores the theme of deception and Faustus's subversion of religious authority.

A Knight at Charles' Court

Overview

Key Moments in the Play

Scepticism at the Emperor's Court (Act 4, Scene 1):

• The Knight expresses doubt and scepticism about Faustus's magical abilities during a demonstration at the Emperor's court.

• This moment sets up the conflict between the Knight and Faustus. Faustus's Revenge (Act 4, Scene 1):

• In retaliation for the Knight's scepticism, Faustus humiliates him by making horns appear on his head.

• This scene exemplifies Faustus's misuse of his powers for petty revenge.

Key Themes

• Pride and Humiliation: The Knight's scepticism and subsequent humiliation highlight the theme of pride and its consequences.
• Misuse of Power: Faustus's retaliation against the Knight illustrates the dangers and ethical implications of misusing magical powers.

Key Quotes

"He looks much like a conjurer." (Act 4, Scene 1)

• The Knight expresses his scepticism about Faustus's abilities, setting up the conflict.
• This quote reflects the theme of doubt and the challenge to Faustus's authority.

"I'll tickle your catastrophe." (Act 4, Scene 1)

• Faustus responds to the Knight's scepticism with a threat, foreshadowing his act of revenge.
• This quote highlights Faustus's vindictive nature and his readiness to misuse his powers.

Three Scholars

Overview

Key Moments in the Play

Expressing Concern (Act 1, Scene 2):

• The Scholars express concern about Faustus's involvement with Valdes and Cornelius and his turn to necromancy.

• This moment highlights their awareness of the dangers of Faustus's pursuits. Witnessing Faustus's Final Hours (Act 5, Scene 2):

• The Scholars are present during Faustus's final hours, urging him to repent and praying for his soul.

• This scene emphasizes the themes of redemption and the consequences of Faustus's choices.

Key Themes

• Knowledge and Morality: The Scholars represent the pursuit of knowledge within moral and ethical boundaries, contrasting with Faustus's overreaching ambition.

• Redemption and Salvation: Their attempts to help Faustus repent highlight the theme of redemption and the possibility of salvation.

Key Quotes

"We are undone, and thou hast damned thy soul." (Act 5, Scene 2)

• The Scholars lament Faustus's fate and his refusal to repent.
• This quote underscores the tragic consequences of Faustus's choices and the theme of damnation.

"Yet Faustus, look up to heaven; remember God's mercies are infinite." (Act 5, Scene 2)

• The Scholars urge Faustus to seek repentance and salvation in his final moments.
• This quote reflects the theme of redemption and the possibility of divine mercy.

Helen of Troy

Overview

Key Moments in the Play

Conjuring Helen (Act 5, Scene 1):

• Faustus summons Helen of Troy to impress the Scholars and later to serve as his lover.
• This moment underscores Faustus's continued pursuit of worldly desires despite his impending doom.

Key Themes

• Lust and Desire: Helen represents the peak of Faustus's lust and desire, distracting him from the possibility of repentance.
• Illusion and Reality: Helen's ethereal beauty serves as an illusion that blinds Faustus to the reality of his damnation.

Key Quotes

"Was this the face that launched a thousand ships, / And burnt the topless towers of Ilium?" (Act 5, Scene 1)

• Faustus marvels at Helen's beauty, expressing his awe and desire.
• This quote emphasizes the theme of lust and the power of illusion to captivate and distract.

"Sweet Helen, make me immortal with a kiss." (Act 5, Scene 1)

• Faustus seeks immortality through Helen's kiss, illustrating his delusion and misplaced desires.
• This quote reflects the theme of illusion and the futility of seeking eternal life through earthly pleasures.