Not very different from Blanche, Marlowe's Faustus is a very proud individual, believing that there is little on the face of the earth that could pose any interest to him. The reason for his excessive pride is that his intellectual capacities had brought him important knowledge in most subjects. Faustus's idealistic approach to life is the very reason for him tending to appeal to any possible means in order to gain more knowledge. In spite of his great potential, his thirst for supremacy has Faustus fall for the proposal that he is presented with by the two magicians.
Faustus's first monologue relates to his beliefs that all subjects are limited, and that he aspires for more than what the simple world provides him with. His superficiality prevents him from systematically studying subjects such as philosophy, medicine, and law. Theology, in his opinion, does nothing but intoxicating people with nonsense that is intended to keep their attention away from matters which are actually worthy of being studied. These respective matters include necromancy and magic, and, according to his testimonials, "these are those that Faustus most desires." (Marlowe Christopher, 2001) Apparently, Faustus is naive, as he is determined to learn certain matters, even with the fact that he has no clue of the consequences that his actions will have.
Most probably, with the intention of creating a contrast between Faustus and others that had had interests other than him, Marlowe presents Robin and Rafe. Humor is involved in the episode parallel to Faustus's distress. Faustus demonstrates that it requires more than knowledge for one to be able to properly use the unlimited power that he is presented with. Marlowe does not go at giving a complex description of Robin, but, instead, he relates to how this secondary character has better capacity of understanding the power of magic.
Hence, unlike Faustus, that uses the authority that he receives to perform insignificant tricks, Robin claims that he would perform more important duties if he would come across the respective power.
Even if he is aware of the outcome that selling his soul to the devil would have, Faustus decides to perform the act, partly believing that the power that he will receive would compensate his loss, and, partly believing that he is protected by Lucifer, hoping that a divine power would intervene and save his soul. The theme of man selling his soul in exchange for everything that he desires is much older than Marlowe's play, with Jesus Christ having been among the first reports of one being proposed by the devil to sell his soul.
Humankind has always been fascinated with an account relating to one receiving everything that he or she wishes for from a supernatural power, with the condition that that particular individual would sooner or later give up his or her soul. The scenes involving comedy come as a break from the overall tragic character that the play has.
While the audience might feel relaxed as a result of observing the humorous spirit of the play, the episode also increases its tragic spirit, making people more responsive at Faustus contract with the devil. Faustus attitude changes over the play, and, whereas he maintained a formal position at the beginning of the play, he gradually looses the eminence in his tone. This is primarily because of the fact that his goals in life had changed considerably along with him sealing the deal with Lucifer.
It is almost like Faustus had planned his future step-by-step, regardless whatsoever to the hazards which stood before him. Witnessing the power of Lucifer through Mephistopheles, Faustus is scared, but, unwilling to act in order to cancel the contract. Considering his background, Faustus would...
Everyman: Faustus and Blanche The concept of "Everyman" derives from the 15-century morality play "The Summoning of Everyman." The play was meant as a guide towards salvation and how a person might attain it. The name "Everyman" was meant to represent an everyday, ordinary person of the time, implying that Christian salvation was obtainable by any person. Today, the idea of "everyman" is used to indicate any ordinary person with ordinary
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