Critical Essay- Dr Faustus (drama)

Question 1

• Faustus portrayed as educated, scholar but pride evident from start
• introduces flaw and craving for power from the outset
• Shows dissatisfaction with his current studies -craves control
• believes he deserves something more -frustration at confines of his power -“wit”shows his arrogance and self-belief>’pride’

Answer 1

1) “A greater subject fitteth Faustus’ wit”

Question 2

• desires greater power, progressive craving for more
• judgement masked by his pride -will do anything to obtain this
• craves god like power tempted by necromancy
• “a man” shows his mortal state that he want to be greater than this, above it exalted

Answer 2

2)”Yet art thou still but Faustus and a man”

Question 3

• scene progresses we gain idea of his desires and admirations
• wants magical, mystical powers and respects profession
• social beliefs negative at time as seen as dark art which introduces his attraction to such endeavours
• seen as work of the devil -hubris leads him to necromancy as mystery
• hyperbole of “sound” connotes average and nothing special but compares it to a god showing a “magician” powers

Answer 3

3) “a sound magician is a mighty god”

Question 4

• ignore god and hubris leads to his downfall
• summons devil Mephistopheles > -targets and manipulates pride
• order him about which gives Faustus feeling of power
• this excites faustus and makes desire for more power grow
• he is in command and has someone at his call

Answer 4

4) “Now, Faustus, what would’st thou have me do?”