Faustus Prologue Quotes' Analysis Flashcards
not marching… nor sporting… not in the pomp…
anaphoric repetition of negators that subverts the typical traits of a tragic hero of the Medieval period
use of chorus
influences the staging and sets up the themes, characterisation of Faustus, and idea of Greek tragedy
parents base of stock
audience made suspicious of Faustus as his humble beginnings imply he has overstepped / too ambitious by leaving the role society assigned him
riper years… fruitful plots… surfeits… sweet delight… swoll’n
semantic field of gluttony/ consumption, presenting the pursuit of religious knowledge as tempting
riper years to Wittenburg
presenting Faustus as a radical, revolutionary thinker as it was a place that challenged the typical thinking of the church (Protestant Reformation)
waxen wings
classical allusion to Icarus, who flew too close to the sun as a result of his ambition/ pride, Faustus therefore presented as someone with hubristic tendencies
melting heavens conspired his overthrow
foreshadowing his downfall, result of his deviation/ transgression from the status he was born with, shows that a greater power will realign the natural order
profits in divinity
initial suggestion of Faustus’ desire for financial gain/ superficial reward, rather than a pure pursuit of knowledge
glutted with learning’s golden gifts
alliteration that emphasises indulgence and excess