Doctor Faustus - Act 2, Scene 3 Flashcards
1
Q
“Curse thee, wicked Mephistopheles”
A
- Agnanorisis : parallels his arrogance to Mephistopheles
- Lack of responsibility for his own actions (foolish)
- No longer referred to as “sweet”, revelation
2
Q
“My heart’s so hardened I cannot repent”
A
- Alliterative metaphor : emphasises Faustus’ passivity and acceptance, sees himself as doomed
- Declarative statement : provokes finality
- Potentially victimised
- Echoes the Evil Angels thoughts
3
Q
“Swords and knives, Poison, guns, halters and envenomed steel”
A
- Syndetic Listing emphasises the motif of violence : too scared to commit suicide
- Represents the Calvinist view of pre-destination
4
Q
“Sweet pleasure conquered deep despair”
A
- Motif of consumption
- Emphasises Faustus’ gluttonous desire for omnipotence and power : embodies sin of gluttony
- Sin is presented as exciting and desirable
- Symbolic of base desires, motivated by temptation emphasising the morality play
5
Q
“Homer” / “Alexander” / “Oenone”
A
- Classical allusions : still shows some intelligence by referencing Greek philosophers
- Emphasises the potential that necromancy could give him showing Faustus as ambitious
- Rejection / betrayal
- Embodies the depiction of a Renaissance man
CONTEXT : Marlowe’s own education was at a grammar school which were new institutions for middle class boys teaching Latin and classical education
6
Q
“I will not” / “I will not tell thee”
A
- Short declarative statement
- Won’t answer Faustus’ demands, no longer subservient
- Creation defies Necromancy and Lucifer : still aligned to Lucifer
7
Q
“This thou has damned distressed Faustus’ soul. Is’t not too late?”
A
- Symbolic of Lutheranism, questioning, conveys his uncertainty
- Hope for repentance despite doubt
- Emphasises the repeated structure:
Doubt, persuasion, resolution, gain
8
Q
“Devils shall tear thee in pieces”
A
- Motif of violence : harm provoked against Faustus
- Threatening, must conform to evil
9
Q
“Christ, my saviour”
A
- Emphasises Faustus’ inner conflict
- Subversion to Christianity
- Not completely subdued : helpless/ distressed
10
Q
“[Enter LUCIFER, BEELZEBUB and MEPHISTOPHELES]”
A
- Stage direction : brought out powerful figures to condemn Faustus
- Climactic point builds tension : dramatic
- Stressful scene for the audience at the time
11
Q
“O, this feeds my soul”
A
- Motif of consumption : emphasises gluttonous desire
- Ironic : soul isn’t his, trying to forget the temporary deal
- Carnivalesque introduction was enticing
12
Q
“(Taking the book) Great thanks, mighty Lucifer”
A
- Stage direction : desire for knowledge, contrasts when Faustus looks at bible to seek help from Christ
- Change in character, still desires knowledge
13
Q
“Come, Mephistopheles”
A
- Imperative : still thinks he has authority and superiority
- Highlights Faustus’ foolishness
