doctor faustus play by christopher marlowe
2006-11-28 01:15:46 · 2 answers · asked by sasha 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Books & Authors
As a cautionary tale against demonology or consorting with the devil, perhaps?
Faustus eschews the gifts given to him through the natural order (i.e. divine), and makes a pact with the devil, giving him *earthly* benefits. Rather than considering the state of his soul, he concerns himself with the temporal power he can gain from the pact.
He further declines the prospect of salvation in the form of the angels, seeming to believe that he has mephistopheles under his control (albeit only for 24 years).
He pays rather nastily at the end.
So, it's about the evils of consorting with devils, about the dangers of focusing on the temporal over the divine, and particularly about Faustus' pride, and the weakness of his spirit in allowing himself to be manipulated. It's a cautionary tale, so to speak.
2006-11-28 01:56:51 · answer #1 · answered by Patrick 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the whole point of the story is how dr. faustus makes a deal with the devil that when he finds true happiness he will gives his immortal soul over to the devil. despite having a long life he ultimately learn that the pleasures of this world won't give him true happiness. it is only when he learns self-sacrifice and true love (not lust) for another human being does he find his happiness. this represents the christian ideal that one, in order to get into heaven must learn to leave the carnal pleasures of this world behind and instead focus on the spiritual
2006-11-28 01:59:21 · answer #2 · answered by Mr. 210 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋