ANALYSIS

Marlowe portrays Faustus's inner turmoil as he wrestles with the consequences of his pact
with Lucifer. Despite moments of doubt and wavering resolve, Faustus's insatiable thirst for
forbidden knowledge and power ultimately leads him further into damnation. The warning
"Homo fuge" and Faustus's brief considerations of repentance serve as fleeting glimpses of his
conscience, but he is ultimately swayed by distractions and the allure of worldly pleasures.
The devil's refusal to answer Faustus's question about the creation of the world stirs his doubts
once more, but the enthralling display of the Seven Deadly Sins which he can enjoy as a result
of his pact with Lucifer draws him back from the brink of salvation. Through Faustus's tragic
journey, Marlowe explores themes of ambition, temptation, and the fragility of human
conscience, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of forsaking moral principles in
pursuit of worldly desires.

CHARACTERS:

LUCIFER: Lucifer, depicted as the "prince of devils" in "Doctor Faustus," is cunning and
cruel, embodying eternal damnation. Introduced by Mephastophilis, Lucifer is portrayed as a
fallen angel who rebelled against God out of pride and now reigns over hell. His kingdom is
filled with souls he has corrupted and captured for eternity. Lucifer's encounter with Faustus
is marked by his desire to claim the prestigious soul of the learned scholar. He is depicted as a
terrifying figure, using fear as a tool to manipulate and ensnare those who cross his path. As a
clever and merciless entity, Lucifer is willing to make pacts to secure souls for his kingdom,
showcasing his relentless pursuit of power and control.

Good Angel: A spirit that urges Faustus to repent for his pact with Lucifer and return to God.
Along with the old man and the bad angel, the good angel represents, in many ways, Faustus’s
conscience and divided will between good and evil.

Bad Angel: A spirit that serves as the counterpart to the good angel and provides Faustus with
reasons not to repent for sins against God. The evil angel represents the evil half of Faustus’s
conscience.

THEMES

In "Doctor Faustus," Christopher Marlowe explores the theme of destiny versus free will
through the protagonist's struggle with damnation and salvation. Faustus appears trapped in a
cycle of despair and temptation, unable to fully repent despite moments of doubt. Marlowe
draws from John Calvin's concept of predestination, suggesting that Faustus's actions may be
predetermined by a higher power. However, the play also presents Faustus with opportunities
to choose redemption, highlighting the possibility of free will. Throughout the play, Faustus
wrestles with conflicting influences, including the Good Angel, the Bad Angel, and
Mephastophilis, ultimately succumbing to his own desires. Marlowe leaves the question of
Faustus's fate open-ended, blurring the lines between destiny and personal choice. Faustus's
intelligence and human desires drive his actions, emphasizing the complexity of his character
and the tragic consequences of his decisions.
SYMBOLISM

In "Doctor Faustus," the Good Angel and the Evil Angel symbolize the eternal conflict
between good and evil, representing the spiritual battle for Faustus's soul. They personify
Faustus's inner turmoil as he grapples with his pride, ambition, and fear of damnation.
Throughout the play, the angels engage in a perpetual debate, reflecting the conflicting desires
within Faustus's mind. The Good Angel urges him to consider heavenly things and repent,
while the Evil Angel tempts him with earthly pleasures and convinces him of the futility of
repentance. Their dialogue illustrates the divided nature of human morality, depicting the
internal struggle between noble aspirations and base desires.

QUOTES

"Come, I think hell's a fable." — Doctor Faustus, Act 2, Scene 1

Faustus, having made a pact with Lucifer, asks Mephastophilis about hell. Despite conversing
with a resident of hell and sealing a deal with Lucifer, Faustus dismisses hell's reality as a
mere myth. Mephastophilis warns him to reserve judgment until he experiences it for himself,
but Faustus stubbornly maintains that hell is just an old wives' tale. He cannot fathom spiritual
torment beyond physical sensations and fails to grasp the gravity of his impending damnation.

“Christ cannot save thy soul, for he is just”— Lucifer, Act 2, Scene 3

In a moment of dreadful doubt, Faustus calls upon Christ to save his soul. Lucifer appears to
chastise him and dissuade him from breaking their pact. He tells Faustus that Christ, being
fair, cannot pardon Faustus. He knows what the doctor has done and must judge him
accordingly.

Scen 01:

Faustus's Study

Good Angel: Faustus, listen to reason. It is not too late to repent, to seek forgiveness and
redemption. God's mercy is boundless, and His grace knows no limits.

Evil Angel: Ignore the angel's hollow words, Faustus. The power and pleasures that await you
through magic are far greater than any fleeting notion of salvation. Why submit to the whims
of a distant deity when you can seize control of your own destiny?

Mephistopheles: Master Faustus, Lucifer awaits your decision. Will you embrace the
boundless potential of magic, or cower in the shadow of doubt? The choice is yours to make,
but remember, the path to greatness is paved with darkness.
Faustus: [Turning to Mephistopheles, his voice strained with uncertainty] And what of the
consequences? What awaits me beyond the veil of this infernal pact? Will I find solace in the
embrace of darkness, or be consumed by its eternal flames?

Mephistopheles: A life of luxury and pleasure beyond your wildest dreams, Doctor Faustus.
Twenty-four years of servitude in exchange for your immortal soul. Imagine the power you
will wield, the secrets you will unlock, the knowledge you will attain. All this and more can
be yours, if you but take my hand and walk the path of darkness.

Good Angel: Faustus, heed my words. Renounce this dark path and embrace the light of
salvation. God's love knows no bounds, and His forgiveness is infinite. Turn away from
temptation and seek redemption while there is still time.

Evil Angel: Ignore the angel's futile pleas, Faustus. Embrace the power and glory that await
you through magic. Why waste your talents on piety when you can command the forces of the
universe and shape your own destiny?

Faustus: Mephistopheles, I am ready to make my choice. Lead me down the path to power
and glory, whatever the cost may be. I will not falter in the face of adversity, for I am Faustus,
master of my own fate.

Mephistopheles: Sign here, Doctor Faustus, and your destiny shall be sealed. Embrace the
darkness, and let the flames of ambition burn bright within your soul.

Faustus: [In a voice filled with determination] So be it. Let the pact be sealed, and let my
name be written in the annals of history as a beacon of ambition and power.

[Faustus begins to write, but as he does, the words "Homo fuge" appear on his arm, unsettling
him.]

Faustus: "Fly, O man!" What portent is this?

Mephistopheles: Pay it no mind, Faustus. You have nothing to fear.

[Faustus, troubled by doubts, tries to imagine where he could run, but is certain he would not
find refuge with God.)

Good Angel: Faustus, this is a sign to run to God. Trust your instincts, do not be tempted. It is
all meaningless compared to the salvation of your soul.

Evil Angel: Your path is set, Faustus, and there is no turning back.

[Faustus, torn between his doubts and his desires, turns to Mephistopheles.]

Faustus: Mephistopheles, fetch me a wife, a woman of beauty and grace.

Mephistopheles: As you wish, Faustus. But why settle for one when you can have many? I
shall bring you the most beautiful mistresses to fulfill your every desire.
Scene 02:

The Infernal Council

Lucifer: [His voice deep and resonant, echoing through the hall] Welcome, Doctor Faustus, to
the infernal court. You have chosen wisely to align yourself with the forces of darkness, and
now, your journey into the depths of hell shall begin.

Faustus: [Bowing respectfully] My lord Lucifer, I am honored to stand in your presence. I

Lucifer: [Nodding in acknowledgement] Rise, Doctor Faustus, and behold the splendor of
your new domain. Here, you shall wield power beyond imagining, and bask in the glory of
eternal damnation.

Mephistopheles: [Stepping forward, his voice dripping with reverence] Together, we shall
usher in a new era of darkness and despair, spreading our influence throughout the mortal
realm.

Faustus: [His voice filled with awe] This is truly a sight to behold. To stand in the presence of
the ruler of hell himself is an honor beyond compare.

Lucifer: [His eyes gleaming with malevolent amusement] You have shown courage and
ambition, Doctor Faustus, qualities that are prized among my subjects. But know this - your
journey has only just begun. The road ahead will be fraught with peril and temptation, and
only the strongest will survive.

Mephistopheles: Fear not, my lord. With Doctor Faustus at our side, we shall conquer all who
dare oppose us, and usher in a new era of darkness and despair.

Faustus: [Startled, but exhilarated] What sorcery is this?

Mephistopheles: [His voice low and hypnotic] This, Doctor Faustus, is but a glimpse of the
power that awaits you. Embrace the darkness, and let it consume you, for you are destined for
greatness.

Mephistopheles: [Turning to Lucifer, his voice resonating with a dark intensity] My lord, with
Doctor Faustus under our wing, we shall be unstoppable. Together, we shall cast our shadow
over the mortal realm, bending it to our will and reveling in the chaos we sow.

Lucifer: [His gaze lingering on Mephistopheles, a hint of approval in his eyes] Indeed,
Mephistopheles. Your cunning and ambition know no bounds. With Faustus by our side, we
shall reshape the very fabric of existence itself.