Act 1 Scene 4 Flashcards
What sort of scene is this?
It is a comedic scene intended to make people laugh to mirror the more serious action in the play - provides relief
What device is employed through this scene?
Dramatic mirroring/structural parallel - despite scholarly intellect, Faustus is :
Robin - driven by base desire
Wagner - desires omnipotence
How is Wagner presented in ‘bind yourself presently unto me for seven years, or I’ll turn all the lice about thee into familiars’ ?
He desires omnipotence, (believes he has more power than he does) mirroring Faustus’ hubris and expectance for compliance.
What can be inferred with Robin mistaking ‘Baliol and Belcher’ as Balio and Belchios’?
It is a comedic misquote and a structural parallel that highlights how Faustus is arrogant/blind to the dangers of necromancy and isn’t taking the warnings seriously.
How is Robin presented in ‘she devils… clefts and cloven feet’ and ‘tickle the pretty wenches/plackets’ ?
The use of sexual innuendos and vulgar language displays his base desires and shocks audience - supposed to have comedic value.
What can be inferred in ‘Villain, call me Master Wagner’?
The power dynamic is mirrored as Mephistopheles is subservient whilst Faustus is commanding. Wagner seeks/desires respect, speaks in Latin suggesting he desires to be less lowly and has empty threats like Faustus.
What device is used in ‘My soul to the devil for a shoulder of mutton’?
Structural parallel/mirroring to Faustus shows their foolish/unthinking nature. In the way that Robin bargains for food, Faustus bargains for a life dedicated to sensory pleasure.
