What If Anything Is Moral in Doctor Faustus
What, if anything is “moral” about Doctor Faustus
Doctor Faustus, is a play by Christopher Marlowe first published in 1604. Faustus is a scholar who sells his soul to the devil in order to learn black magic and acquire power. Whilst assessing whether there is anything “moral” about the play, we must establish the texts form as a morality play rather than its common assertion as a tragedy. WHY? It seems that Faustus rejects some parts of the Medieval Morality play, but shows its influence through Marlowe’s use of a didactic message to encourage Christian values. In doing this not only is a Christian moral suggested, but also an underlying warning against Renaissance thought. Renaissance thought being that which strayed away from the spiritual and Godly, towards a more scientific approach.
In the prologue, the chorus tell us that the play is about Faustus, who was born of lower class. Immediately this is a departure away from the medieval tradition as Faustus is not a king or saint, yet his story is still worth telling. During the opening the chorus- a traditional motif in morality plays, give our first clue to the source of Faustus's downfall- knowledge and pride. His wisdom and abilities are introduced, most notably in the academic domain, in which he excels. Faustus's tale is then likened to that of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun and fell to his death. Referring to a story that the audience would have known well, brings our attention to the idea of hubris-excessive pride. The fact that hubris causes Icarus’ death suggests to the audience that this play will not end well and to take note of Faustus’ pride so that they do not end life the same way. Pride is one of the seven deadly sins, arguably the one that leads to all the others. Marlowe suggests through characterisation that hubris ultimately leads to damnation, constructing a firm Christian moral.
Doctor Faustus is based on the German legend of “Faust” who uses his power mainly for swinish
Doctor Faustus, is a play by Christopher Marlowe first published in 1604. Faustus is a scholar who sells his soul to the devil in order to learn black magic and acquire power. Whilst assessing whether there is anything “moral” about the play, we must establish the texts form as a morality play rather than its common assertion as a tragedy. WHY? It seems that Faustus rejects some parts of the Medieval Morality play, but shows its influence through Marlowe’s use of a didactic message to encourage Christian values. In doing this not only is a Christian moral suggested, but also an underlying warning against Renaissance thought. Renaissance thought being that which strayed away from the spiritual and Godly, towards a more scientific approach.
In the prologue, the chorus tell us that the play is about Faustus, who was born of lower class. Immediately this is a departure away from the medieval tradition as Faustus is not a king or saint, yet his story is still worth telling. During the opening the chorus- a traditional motif in morality plays, give our first clue to the source of Faustus's downfall- knowledge and pride. His wisdom and abilities are introduced, most notably in the academic domain, in which he excels. Faustus's tale is then likened to that of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun and fell to his death. Referring to a story that the audience would have known well, brings our attention to the idea of hubris-excessive pride. The fact that hubris causes Icarus’ death suggests to the audience that this play will not end well and to take note of Faustus’ pride so that they do not end life the same way. Pride is one of the seven deadly sins, arguably the one that leads to all the others. Marlowe suggests through characterisation that hubris ultimately leads to damnation, constructing a firm Christian moral.
Doctor Faustus is based on the German legend of “Faust” who uses his power mainly for swinish