Dr. Faustus Themes

1. Dr. FaustusThemes • Ambition • The play is a study in ambition • The hero is an “overreacher” who strives against human limitations • Faustus tries to do more than is humanly possible; he seeks to know, possess, and experience everything under the sun • The play glorifies ambition and criticizes ambition • Faustus’ larger-than-life dreams are cut down to size by the ironies of Mephistophilis

2. Dr. FaustusThemes • Concepts of Hell – three concepts of Hell • The absence of God according to Mephistophilis • Church says it is a pit of fire • Faustus claims there is no Hell

3. Dr. FaustusThemes • Christians vs. Classic Ideals • Greeks had a pantheon of gods, believed in humanity, extolled the perfection of the human body and clarity of human thought • Medieval church had an opposite view; reason was suspect and the flesh was the devil’s snare • Christian ideals are more severe and personified by the Old Man; Helen’s beauty is not trusted, but he Old Man’s counsel is sound

4. Dr. FaustusThemes • Free Will vs. Determinism • Faustus’ damnation is inevitable and has been decided in advance; he struggles to repent but is browbeaten by devils; he is barred from salvation by the forces of Hell • All this is of his own volition (free will); he makes a pact with the devil to satisfy his lust for power • Faustus chooses his own fate

5. Dr. FaustusThemes • Atheist or Christian play? • Faustus has a Christian moral but commits a mortal sin and goes to Hell for it • He denies God and is therefore denied God’s mercy • Marlowe was known to be an atheist and has put a lot of blasphemy in the play

6. Dr. FaustusThemes • Diversions • Hell has a lot of gimmicks to keep Faustus from thinking about death and damnation • Devils provide distracting shows, fireworks, and pageants for his entertainment • He tries to preoccupy his mind by feasting, drinking, and playing pranks • These diversions keep Faustus from turning his attention to God and the salvation of his soul