“Dr. Faustus” is a play written by the English playwright Christopher Marlowe in the late 16th century. It tells the story of a highly ambitious and intellectual scholar named Dr. Faustus who makes a pact with the devil in exchange for unlimited knowledge and power. As a result of his deal, Faustus engages in all sorts of sinful and immoral behavior, such as conjuring spirits, performing magic, and indulging in various pleasures. Ultimately, he realizes the gravity of his decision and seeks redemption, but it is too late for him to escape his fate of eternal damnation. The play is considered a masterpiece of Elizabethan drama and explores themes of ambition, morality, and the dangers of intellectual curiosity.

Faust Legend

Dr. Johann Georg Faust (approx. 1480-1540) was a German alchemist who was born in the village of Knittlingen, Wurttemberg. He has alternatively been known by the names “Johann Sabellicus” and “Georg Faust”.

He might have gone to the University of Heidelberg to study, obtaining a degree in divinity in 1509, and then to Poland where a friend of Martin Luther, Philip Melanchthon, says Faust studied magic at the University of Krakow. Martin Luther and Philip Melanchthon are said to have alleged Faust’s companionship with the devil. After that, he appears at the University of Ehrfut in central Germany. It is said that when he lectured on Homer he conjured up Homer’s heroes for his students.

He was expelled from the Ehrfut by the Franciscan monk Dr. Klinge, a cathedral preacher. Dr. Klinge asked for Faust’s repentance. Faust refused the monk’s offer of intervention and admitted having signed a pact with the Devil, and said that he trusted the Devil more than God. He became notorious and had to change cities frequently for his practice of necromancy.

Faust died in 1540 or 1541. Legend says that he came to a terrible end near Wittenberg, where the devil tore him to pieces and left him on the dung heap, with eyes glued to a wall.

Faust legend has been well known to European countries ever after his death. Christopher Marlowe and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe used this legend in their famous writings.

The Story of Doctor Faustus

Doctor Faistus, a talented German scholar at Wittenberg rails against the limits of human knowledge. He has learned everything he can leam, or so he thinks, from the conventional academic disciplines, All of these things have left him unsatisfied, so now he turns to magic. A Good Angel and an Evil Angel arrive, representing Faustus choice between Christian conscience and the path to damnation. The former advises him to leave off this pursuit of magic, and the latter tempts him. From two fellow scholars, Valdes and Comelius, Faustus learns the fundamentals of the black arts. He thrills at the power he will have, and the great feats he’ll perform. He summons the devil Mephistophilis. They flesh out the terms of their agreement, with Mephistophilis representing Lucifer -four Faustus will sell his soul, in exchange for twenty-fi years of power, with Mephistophilis as servant to his every whim. In a comic relief scene, we learn that Faustus’ servant Wagner has gleaned some magic learning. He uses it to convince Robin the Clown to be his servant.

Before the time comes to sign the contract, Faustus has misgivings, but he puts them aside. Mephistophilis returns and Faustus signs away his soul, writing with his own blood. The words “Homo fuge” (“Fly, man”) appear on his arm, and Faustus is seized by fear. Mephistophilis distracts him with a dance of devils. Faustus requests a wife, a demand Mephistophilis denies, but he does give Faustus books full of knowledge.

Some time has passed. Faustus curses Mephistophils for depriving him of heaven, although he has seen many wonders. He manages to torment Mephistophilis, he can’t stomach mention of God, and the devil flees. The Good Angel and the Evil Angel arrive again. The Good Angel tells him to repent, and the Evil Angel tells him to stick to his wicked ways. Lucifer, Beelzebub, and Mephistophilis return, to intimidare Faustus. He is cowed by them, and agrees to speak and think no more of God. They delight him with a pageant of the Seven Deadly Sins, and then Lucifer promises to show Faustus hell. Meanwhile, Robin the Clown has gotten one of Faustus’ magic books.

Faustus has explored the heavens and the earth from a chariot drawn by dragons, and is now flying to Rome, where the feast honouring St. Peter is about to be celebrated. Mephistophilis and Faustus wait for the Pope, depicted as an arrogant, decidedly unholy man. They play a series of tricks, by using magic to disguise themselves and make themselves invisible, before leaving.

The Chorus returns to tell us that Faustus returns home, where his vast knowledge of astronomy and his abilities earn him wide renown. Meanwhile, Robin the Clown has also learned magic, and uses it to impress his friend Rafe and summon Mephistophilis, who doesn’t seem too happy to be called.

At the court of Charles V, Faustus performs illusions that delight the Emperor. He also humiliates a knight named Benvolio. When Benvolio and his friends try to avenge the humiliation, Faustus has his devils hurt them and cruelly transform them, so that horns grow on their heads.

Faustus swindles a Horse-courser, and when the Horse-courser returns, Faustus plays a frightening trick on him. Faustus then goes off to serve the Duke of Vanholt. Robin the Clown, his friend Dick, the Horse- courser, and a Carter all meet. They all have been swindled or hurt by Faustus’ magic. They go off to the court of the Duke to settle scores with Faustus.

Faustus entertains the Duke and Duchess with petty illusions, before Robin the Clown and his band of ruffians arrives. Faustus toys with them, besting them with magic, to the delight of the Duke and Duchess.

Faustus’ twenty-four years are running out. Wagner tells the audience that he thinks Faustus prepares for death. He has made his will, leaving all to Wagner. But even as death approaches, Faustus spends his days feasting and drinking with the other students. For the delight of his fellow scholars, Faustus summons a spirit to take the shape of Helen of Troy. Later, an Old Man enters, warning Faustus to repent. Faustus opts for pleasure instead, and asks Mephistophilis to bring Helen of Troy to him, to be his love and comfort during these last days. Mephistophilis readily agrees.

Later, Faustus tells his scholar friends that he is damned, and that his power came at the price of his soul. Concerned, the Scholars exit, leaving Faustus to meet his fate.

As the hour approaches, Mephistophilis taunts Faustus. Faustus blames Mephistophilis for his damnation, and the devil proudly takes credit for it. The Good and Evil Angel arrive, and the Good Angel abandons Faustus. The gates of Hell open. The Evil Angel taunts Faustus, naming the horrible tortures seen there.

The clock strikes eleven. Faustus gives a final, frenzied monologue, regretting his choices. At midnight the devils enter. As Faustus begs God and the devil for mercy, the devils drag him away. Later, the Scholar friends find Faustus’ body, torn to pieces.

Epilogue. The Chorus emphasizes that Faustus is gone, his once-great potential wasted. The Chorus warns the audience to remember his fall, and the lessons it offers.