Act 2 Scene 1 Flashcards
What is this scene a direct contrast to?
It is a direct contrast to the soliloquy in 1:1 where Faustus speaks with control and eloquence, however his syntax is now confused.
What can be inferred about ‘must tho needs to be damned/…thou not be saved’ and ‘heaven?…. despair!’?
The repeated antithesis and interrogatives represents Faustus’ indecision/uncertainity about whether to repent or not - embodies Lutheranism
What can be inferred about ‘Despair in God and trust in Beelzebub’ ?
The use of parallel phrasing links with ‘necromantic books are heavenly’ - both display blasphemy/ inner conflict/ confusion/ willingness to commit sin
What device is used in ‘Now go not backward. No, Faustus, be resolute’?
The imperative sentences show Faustus commanding himself to do the right thing.
How is Faustus presented in ‘To him I’ll build an altar and a church’ ?
He is seen to have a confused look/ inverted understanding on who to believe in - country to what he knows
How does the Evil Angel trick Faustus through manipulating his superficial desires?
‘think of honour and wealth.’
What two strands of Protestantism were popular at the time?
Calvinism - your soul was predestined to either be saved or damned, irrespective of your actions on earth
Lutheranism - fate of your soul was determined by your actions on earth and the strength of your relationship with God
How does Faustus embody the religious change of the time?
He goes to Wittenberg (protestant reforming), often mocks Catholicism while also being conflicted with the two strands of Protestantism.
What can be inferred through Meph saying ‘As great as the human souls of men’?
He is always internally tortured as he has tasted eternal bliss but now lives in unbearable pain
What device is used in ‘Then stab thine arm courageously’ ?
Irony as there is nothing brave about suicide as it was viewed as a sin as it represented despair in god - link to ‘And then be thou as great as Lucifer’ - simile shows Meph as trickster as he is feeding into his hamartia
What can be inferred when Faustus states ‘My blood congeals, and I can write no more’?
His body shows a physical aversion to what he is doing, his body reacts against the transgression.
What can be inferred by ‘Why shouldn’t thou not? Is not thy soul thine own?’ ?
The repeated interrogatives and questioning show Faustus’ inner conflict about whether or not to repent. Meph’s absence allows him to doubt his decisions
What device is used in ‘Consummatum est:’ ?
Irony - to use religious language to complete an unholy deed - last words of Jesus. Subtly foreshadows that he can be saved but his arrogance/selfish actions restricts him
How is Meph presented in ‘I’ll fetch him somewhat to delight his mind’ ?
As a machiavellian schemer
What is Meph playing into through the stage directions of ‘Enter Mephistopheles with Devils, giving crowns and rich apparel to Faustus’ ?
Faustus’ hamartia of gluttony and his base desires
