Analyzing the Tragedy of Dr. Faustus

Alfonso Villarreal Mrs. Bohn World Literature Honors April 9, 2012 Analyzing the calamity of Dr. Faustus The struggle surrounded by good and evil is arguably the well-nigh significant theme in the fit. This struggle is most discernable within the of import character Faustus. He is torn and undecided about whether or non he should repent for sinning and return to graven image or watch through with the contract he signed with Lucifer. His internal struggle lasts around the entire encounter, as part of him wants to be good serving God while the other part seeks the proponent Mephastophilis promises. Metaphastophilis himself has mixed motives and symbolizes this theme.On star feed he pursues Faustus soul, intending to carry it to hell while on the other he persuades Faustus to reject the contract because of the horrors he would encounter in hell. This theme, mostly animate within Faustus, provides interest and intrigue as to wonder if whether or not the highly intellectua l doctor will finally come to his senses and repent. The run into would be significantly less enjoyable if it followed a less arouse man, a man who morally feels no regret in heavy(a) up any chance of a positive afterlife for flying powers. This indecision within Faustus also provides the central drama of the coquet.The struggle between good and evil is best symbolized by the Good and Evil Angels. from each one angel struggled to pull Faustus towards its side as Faustus himself struggled between his human agreement or logic and his lustful desire for power. Good and evil booking once more when Faustus encounters the ageing Man in the final scene. The Old Man is another symbol which replaces the Good and Evil Angels from earlier scenes. He persuades Faustus to repent and renounce his powers while its not too late. Marlowe uses fabulous allusions in a rather clever way in this picky work.They provide the audience with a more interesting play and extends the limits of the pl ays subject if even slightly. One of the most significant allusions was one performed in Faustus visit to Charles Vs court. Charles V pleads Faustus to perform black magic for him, an allusion of Alexander the Great and his lover. Faustus performs a simple trick and Alexander absolutely appears before the emperors eyes. The purpose of this allusion is to show another neat feat performed by Faustus and one that certainly brings interest to one of the most powerful men in the world.Marlowe was in some aspects a renascence writer and his work was a product of the age. He uses these allusions in the play to illuminate the transition between old beliefs and new ideas and knowledge. This transition served as one of the essential elements in the movement and Marlowe applies it with ease in his cracking work. What art thou, Faustus, but a man condemned to die? (IV, v, 25) The quote to a higher place addresses many essential aspects of the play. One of these aspects is the struggle bet ween good and evil, a theme represented most by Faustus and his indecision. This quote indicates this theme of the play more than any other.Yes, Faustus is speaking his most troubled thoughts. What is he if not a fool who sold his soul for a temporary power only to perish in an eternal fire? Again it is evident that he struggles with his two most important principles, his lust for power and his reason. He ponders whether or not he made the right choice. The fact that he even struggles with this is ironic at the very least. One of the most innate(predicate) men of his time is too blind to see the horror in Hell. This quote is also significant in that it represents his tragic fall as his corrupt morality prevents him from repenting in time and ultimately dooms him to an eternity in Hell.