Dr Faustus :: Essays Papers

Dr FaustusIn Dr. Faustus, Christopher Marlowe uses the resolution of the conflict between Dr. Faustus and the beliefs of his period to explore the idea of mans place in the universe. In Faustus time, it was believed that man had a place in the universe, and man must die hard within his boundaries. It can be shown that Dr. Faustus stepped out of his place, failed in his attempt rue his actions, and ultimately caused his own end.The conflict between Dr. Faustus and the belief system of the period of discovery is established when Faustus makes a pact with the match to sell his individual. Faustus, a top scholar and doctor in many fields, feels as though he has reached the pinnacle of human achievement. Yet, he desires further noesis and causation, knowledge and force that are not humanly attainable. However, through his pact with the devil, Faustus gains the power necessary to perform black magic, cast spells, and perform other worshipful deeds. Although Faustus is repea tedly warned by Mephostophelis, he continues greedily and foolishly in his actions. in spite of his high aspirations, Faustus still has desires of the flesh, as he requests a wife from Mephostophelis I am wanton and lascivious and cannot live without a wife. (p. 43) Here Faustus is shown to present internal conflict between godly aspirations and human aspirations. Nevertheless, it is shown that Dr. Faustus is intent on becoming more powerful than any human, and he has gone to broad lengths to do so.After selling his soul for twenty-four years of power and knowledge, Dr. Faustus soon realizes what he has done. He tries to repent his bond with the devil, yet the devil will not have it and binds him to his contract. Following this, Faustus continues to have doubts about his actions. At the same time, Faustus wins fame and fortune for his magic skills, yet his doubts remain as loaded as ever. Although Faustus bargained away his soul for super-human power, it is apparent that he uses it to play tricks and crackers pranks on people, the opposite of his initial intent. Dr. Faustus continues to use his power meaninglessly for tricks and the like. He is later approached by the old man, who begs Faustus to consider the mercy of God, for Faustus has retained his human soul and can be forgiven by God.