faustus qoutes and analysis Flashcards
“Not marching now in fields of Thrasymene / where mars did not mate Carthaginians” prologue
the chorus dismisses traditional epic subjects like war and heroism, signalling that faustus is more intellectual. Classical history aligns the play more with renaissance humanism.
“His waxen wings did mount above his reach, / and melting heavens conspired his overthrow”
allusion to Icarus, symbolic of Faustus’ eventual downfall and excessive ambition. hints of divine punishment reinforcing christian morality.
“Excelling all whose sweet delight disputes / In heavenly matters of theology” prologue
Faustus initially is a well respected scholar (particularly in theology) which makes his rejection of divinity even more tragic. “heavenly matters” contrast with his later dealings with hell, highlighting his moral decline.
“Glutted now with learnings golden gifts / He surfeits upon cursed necromancy” prologue
Highlights Faustus’ excessive thirst for knowledge and overindulgence. The juxtaposition of “golden gifts” with “cursed necromancy” symbolises how he corrupts his intellectual potential by pursuing necromancy.
“Glutted now with learnings golden gifts / He surfeits upon cursed necromancy” prologue
Highlights Faustus’ excessive thirst for knowledge and overindulgence. The juxtaposition of “golden gifts” with “cursed necromancy” symbolises how he corrupts his intellectual potential by pursuing necromancy.
“The reward of sin is death, that’s hard” 1.1
Blasphemous and ironic, Faustus misquotes Romans 6:23 - “but the gift of God is eternal life”. Shows his selective reading of theology, justifying his pursuit in sin.
“Divinity, adieu!” 1.1
Blasphemous, he directly addresses theology and is dismissive. Representative of his rejection of christian doctrine.
“Divinity, adieu!” 1.1
Blasphemous, he directly addresses theology and is dismissive. Representative of his rejection of Christian Doctrine.
