Critical Analysis of Christoper Marlowe's Dr. Faustus
Critical Analysis:
Christopher Marlowe 's Dr. Faustus
Illegitimate power is usually unjustified and occurs when a leader or a powerful or significant figure believes in something totally different from his followers. Unbridled power entails unrestrained and uncontrolled opinions and views regarding governance. We have many people who are dedicated in this search for unbridled and illegitimate power. In the play Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe, this pursuit is widely explored through the life of Dr. Faustus. Dr. Faustus is famous in the society for his accomplishments; however, he suddenly grows very jaded of the limitations facing human knowledge thus forcing him to be interested in magic (Marlowe 4). He summons Mephistophilis, a demon, and he is offered twenty-four years of magical powers. Soon Dr. Faustus begins a sinful life with great desire for praise, power, and trickery. He suddenly becomes concerned with how people view him in the society as a ‘hero.’ However, in the end he realizes his mistakes in trusting and believing that such power would bring him contentment. In the denouement, Faustus’s soul is carried off by the devil to hell.
From Dr. Faustus’ story, we note that many people in the society decide to search for illegitimate or unjustified power in order to achieve fame, recognition, and superiority over others. At a point Faustus says “Yeah, I will combat with the weak Menelaus, then wear his colors, and as well wound Achilles (Marlowe 5).” This explains Dr. Faustus’ desires once he achieves power and consummate knowledge. However, in the end result, very little happiness is obtained by the doctor. In our modern society, this theme accurately applies in the way people pursue their earthly goals without considering the repercussions that come as a result. This can also be applied in political, social and religious foundations of our society. We have leaders who have illegitimately stolen power and as a result have continued to oppress
Christopher Marlowe 's Dr. Faustus
Illegitimate power is usually unjustified and occurs when a leader or a powerful or significant figure believes in something totally different from his followers. Unbridled power entails unrestrained and uncontrolled opinions and views regarding governance. We have many people who are dedicated in this search for unbridled and illegitimate power. In the play Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe, this pursuit is widely explored through the life of Dr. Faustus. Dr. Faustus is famous in the society for his accomplishments; however, he suddenly grows very jaded of the limitations facing human knowledge thus forcing him to be interested in magic (Marlowe 4). He summons Mephistophilis, a demon, and he is offered twenty-four years of magical powers. Soon Dr. Faustus begins a sinful life with great desire for praise, power, and trickery. He suddenly becomes concerned with how people view him in the society as a ‘hero.’ However, in the end he realizes his mistakes in trusting and believing that such power would bring him contentment. In the denouement, Faustus’s soul is carried off by the devil to hell.
From Dr. Faustus’ story, we note that many people in the society decide to search for illegitimate or unjustified power in order to achieve fame, recognition, and superiority over others. At a point Faustus says “Yeah, I will combat with the weak Menelaus, then wear his colors, and as well wound Achilles (Marlowe 5).” This explains Dr. Faustus’ desires once he achieves power and consummate knowledge. However, in the end result, very little happiness is obtained by the doctor. In our modern society, this theme accurately applies in the way people pursue their earthly goals without considering the repercussions that come as a result. This can also be applied in political, social and religious foundations of our society. We have leaders who have illegitimately stolen power and as a result have continued to oppress
Cited: Greenblatt, Stephen. Norton Anthology of English Literature, (vol. 1). New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2006. Marlowe, Christopher. Doctor Faustus: a 1604 version edition. London: Longman, 2007.