Faustus AO3 Flashcards
What was the name of the radical professor of moral theology at Wittenberg university?
Martin Luther
What did Martin Luther do in 1517?
He nailed his theses to the door of a church, criticising the corruption of the Catholic Church.
What did this lead to?
The Protestant reformation - moving away from Catholicism towards Protestantism
How does Martin Luther link to Faustus?
By linking Faustus to Wittenberg, Marlowe immediately presents his titular character as a radical, revolutionary individual who goes against the status quo
What period is the play set in?
The Renaissance era
What does Renaissance mean?
Re-birth
Why is the Renaissance era significant?
It was an era of intellectual discovery, where disciplines of the previous Medieval period were being questioned and updated
Why is this significant to Faustus?
Faustus has seemingly mastered many, if not all, of these classic Medieval disciplines, and now rejects old authority figures in pursuit of greater, more unlimited knowledge
Who is Faustus said to be based on?
Dr John Dee
Who was Dr John Dee?
A well-respected scholar of the time who served as a royal advisor and court astronomer to Elizabeth the first
What did Dr John Dee do in later life?
He left Elizabeth’s service and went on a quest for more powerful knowledge in the realms of magic and the supernatural
How does Dr John Dee link to Faustus?
Marlowe was influenced by other thinkers of the time who challenged the status quo, which would explain Faustus’ characterisation
