Dr Faustus
EN125 – INTRODUCTION TO DRAMA
Tuesday 15th - Friday 18th January
Dr. Faustus
This play was first written and performed in 1589.
It was performed in the Rose Theatre in London by the Admiral’s men.
This play was performed in an open air theatre.
This play created connections between magic and theatre.
There is a moral dilemma in this play, based around the idea of the possibility of being to have and do anything you want. Provided, you sell your soul which shall be redeemed after twenty-four years.
Performance of play creates a sense of the possibility that there is dabbling in real magic.
Faustus, unlike other main characters is a self-made man.
Faustus summons Mephistopholes, and sells his soul to Lucifer. Thus allowing him to have Mephistopholes as a servant to do his bidding and provide him with power.
Faustus becomes intoxicated by the thoughts of all he is now able to do, is overwhelmed by power.
Role of comic scenes, used to distract and delight the audience.
At various points in this play Faustus has second thoughts/doubts about his actions.
Play ends at the conclusion of Faustus’ twenty-four years; he is taken by devils and torn apart.
The Duchess of Malfi
This play was first performed at the New Blackfriars Theatre in London by the King’s Men during the winter of 1613 – 14.
The theatre for the first performance of this play was an enclosed one.
This allowed for a close proximity between the actors and the audience.
This closeness gave created a claustrophobic atmosphere, a sense of being trapped.
The theme of Misogyny can be seen in this play.
This play portrays women’s sexuality as being primitive.
The opening of the play is solely male-male dialogue with the conversation being centred on women.
The characters of both Antonio and Bosala are introduced.
Antonio appears to be idealistic, virtuous and trustworthy. Whereas Bosala is cynical and cantankerous.
FOR NEXT LECTURE – TUESDAY 22nd JAN
1. Finish Dr. Faustus if not
Tuesday 15th - Friday 18th January
Dr. Faustus
This play was first written and performed in 1589.
It was performed in the Rose Theatre in London by the Admiral’s men.
This play was performed in an open air theatre.
This play created connections between magic and theatre.
There is a moral dilemma in this play, based around the idea of the possibility of being to have and do anything you want. Provided, you sell your soul which shall be redeemed after twenty-four years.
Performance of play creates a sense of the possibility that there is dabbling in real magic.
Faustus, unlike other main characters is a self-made man.
Faustus summons Mephistopholes, and sells his soul to Lucifer. Thus allowing him to have Mephistopholes as a servant to do his bidding and provide him with power.
Faustus becomes intoxicated by the thoughts of all he is now able to do, is overwhelmed by power.
Role of comic scenes, used to distract and delight the audience.
At various points in this play Faustus has second thoughts/doubts about his actions.
Play ends at the conclusion of Faustus’ twenty-four years; he is taken by devils and torn apart.
The Duchess of Malfi
This play was first performed at the New Blackfriars Theatre in London by the King’s Men during the winter of 1613 – 14.
The theatre for the first performance of this play was an enclosed one.
This allowed for a close proximity between the actors and the audience.
This closeness gave created a claustrophobic atmosphere, a sense of being trapped.
The theme of Misogyny can be seen in this play.
This play portrays women’s sexuality as being primitive.
The opening of the play is solely male-male dialogue with the conversation being centred on women.
The characters of both Antonio and Bosala are introduced.
Antonio appears to be idealistic, virtuous and trustworthy. Whereas Bosala is cynical and cantankerous.
FOR NEXT LECTURE – TUESDAY 22nd JAN
1. Finish Dr. Faustus if not