In this document, I have worked out the entire story of Dr. Faustus; summarized it and gave all the background information. In addition, I added a small quiz to test your skills.
Good luck!
ALL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRAGICAL HISTORY OF DR. FAUSTUS (1564-1593)
FAUSTUS
CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE
Title
Published initially as “The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus”.
Author
Christopher Marlowe
Type of work
Play
Genre
Tragedy
Language
English
Time and place it is written
Early 1590s; England
Narrator
None for the most part, but the Chorus, which appears intermittently between
scenes, provides background information and comments on the action
Point of view
While he sometimes cedes the stage to the Chorus or the lesser, comic characters,
Faustus is central figure in the play, and he has several long soliloquies that let us
see things from his point of view. The Chorus, who provides the only narration,
alternates between the present and past tenses.
Tone
Grandiose and tragic, with occasional moments of low comedy
Setting (time) (place)
The 1580s, Europe; especially Germany and Italy
Protagonist
Doctor Faustus
Major conflict
Faustus sells his soul to Lucifer in exchange for twenty-four years of immense power,
but the desire to repent begins to plague him as the fear of hell grows in him.
Rising action
Faustus’s study of dark magic and his initial conversations with Mephastophilis
Climax
Faustus’s sealing of the pact that promises his soul to Lucifer
1
, ALL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRAGICAL HISTORY OF DR. FAUSTUS (1564-1593)
Falling action
Faustus’s traveling of the world and performing of magic for various rulers
Themes
Sin, redemption, and damnation; the conflict between medieval and Renaissance
values; absolute power and corruption; the dividedness of human nature
Symbols
Blood; Faustus’s rejection of the ancient authorities; the good angel and the evil
angel
Foreshadowing
The play constantly hints at Faustus’s ultimate damnation and indicates his doubts.
His blood congeals when he tries to sign away his soul; the words Homo fuge,
meaning “Fly, man!”, appear on his arm after he makes the pact; and he is constantly
tormented by misgivings and fears of hell.
How Many Acts are there and what are they about?
The play is divided into 5 acts (parts). It starts with the temptation that Faustus has.
Then the play reveals the bargain with the devil. After that, doubt is presented as
Faustus is not sure anymore. However the play continues with his decision and the
reign of Faustus is shown. In the last act we can read about Faustus ’ fate.
Link to the play on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1BbgQcO8fo
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