Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus explained with scene summaries in just a few minutes! Course Hero Literature Instructor Russell Jaffe explains the themes in Christopher Marlowe's play Doctor Faustus.
Download the free study guide and infographic for Doctor Faustus here:
Christopher Marlowe's play Doctor Faustus delves into the consequences of making a deal with the devil.
The titular protagonist, stymied by a life in academia, turns to the dark arts to slake his thirst for power and knowledge. After striking a deal with Lucifer's servant Mephastophilis, he proceeds to enact a series of petty terrors on people ranging from common merchants to the pope himself.
Having squandered his magical abilities, Faustus must face the consequences of his bargain. The chilling climax testifies to the schism between believers in pre-destination and freewill that epitomized the sociopolitical climate of Marlowe's day.
Renaissance English playwright Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus was first published in 1604. Even though his literary career was cut short by his untimely death at the age of 29, Marlowe's skillful use of blank verse transformed English poetry and brought a new level of maturity to Elizabethan theater. As a contest between desire and conscience, rebellion and remorse, Doctor Faustus remains relevant today.
The play contains many powerful themes, such as soaring ambition and a hellish fall represented by Doctor Faustus selling his soul for knowledge without realizing the price he must pay. Other themes include damnation vs. salvation, good vs. evil, pride, and ambition.
Explore Course Hero’s collection of free literature study guides, Q&A pairs, and infographics here:
About Course Hero:
Course Hero helps empower students and educators to succeed! We’re fueled by a passionate community of students and educators who share their course-specific knowledge and resources to help others learn. Learn more at
Master Your Classes™ with Course Hero!
Get the latest updates:
Facebook:
Twitter:
0 Comments