faustus -> epilogue

Question 1

in what way is Faustus presented by the chorus in the epilogue ?

Answer 1

a cautionary figure and a waste of potential

Question 2

key quote 1/2 [epilogue]

Answer 2

‘Cut is the branch that might’ve grown full straight.’

Question 3

analyse ‘Cut is the branch that might’ve grown full-straight.’ [epilogue]

Answer 3

Marlowe uses the metaphor of a ‘cut branch’ to symbolise Faustus’ waste of potential due to his gluttonous desire for godly power/omnipotence. He was once a respected, genius intellect and scholar but his hellish fall—over-reaching for power—caused his eternal damnation and ruin.

Question 4

key quote 2/2 [epilogue]

Answer 4

‘And burned is Apollo’s laurel bough.’

Question 5

analyse ‘And burned is Apollo’s laurel bough.’ [epilogue]

Answer 5

Similar to the branch metaphor, Marlowe alludes to the victory wreaths given to champions from the Greek god Apollo, to represent the glory Faustus could’ve achieved without necromancy, which he has forever lost due to his alignment with Lucifer and isolation from God and forgiveness.

Question 6

why is a chorus used in the epilogue ?

Answer 6

It mirrors the prologue, a time in which Faustus wasn’t innocent, but was still salvageable. It also structures the entire play as a cautionary tale told by the chorus to the audience, a warning to not desire power past heavenly permits.