Faustus Quotes Flashcards
“Till swollen with cunning of self-conceit”
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The language used here clearly creates an image of Faustus as a man who is arrogant, the word “swollen” shows he is overflowing with hubris.
“Ay, these are those that Faustus most desires”
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He desires to have more power and knowledge than he already has. This use of language shows Faustus’ obsession with the dark arts and how his greed is leading him to wanting to have ultimate power.
“A sound magician is a mighty God”
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He knows that by becoming good at magic he can become really powerful. Faustus’ wants to be successful and have the powers of God.
“Despair in God, and trust in Belzebub”
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After Faustus makes his pledge with Lucifer he is losing faith in God and no longer trusts him. He cannot decide where his loyalty lies.
“Homo fuge!”
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God gives him a message inscribed into his arm, but Faustus doesn’t pay attention to the warning and makes his pact with the devil.
“The POPE crosses himself again and Faustus hits him in a box ‘f the ear”
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Faustus rebels against his religion, because now he is acting on his flaws and has forgotten most of his heavenly beliefs. Marlowe’s use of stage direction highlights the worthless tricks Faustus is now playing on others.
“O, not so fast, sir; theres no haste; but, good, are you rememb’red how you crossed me in my conference with the Emperor’’
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He continue his abuse of power by committing sinful acts through taking his revenge on a knight who mocks Faustus’ power. This clearly shows the audience that Faustus has now achieved the ambitions he had hoped for.
“Emperors and KIngs”
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Faustus stated that he would rule “Emperors and Kings” but now making an ironic contrast is created as he receives gifts to entertain one.
“Sweet Helen, make me immortal with a kiss.”
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He flaws are portrayed again to the audience as he lusts for Helen of Troy, a spirit who is summoned at his command. Her presence matters nothing to him but to satisfy him. The word “immortal” contradicts Faustus’ behaviour as he wishes for nothing more than to live for eternity, yet by committing this sin he is going against God and will never achieve immortality.
“ten thousand years’’ and “a hundred thousand years’’
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Within his final hour Faustus begins to become aware of the impending doom he must face. He starts to list lengthy periods of time which are all less than eternity which shows he is now aware that eternity is truly forever and highlights how he is desperate to repent the past 24 years in order to escape his punishment.
“Curst be the parents
that engend’red me”
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He begins to beg for forgiveness by blaming his parents this portrays how he is still in denial that the acceptance of the deal was at his own selfish fault.
“burn my books”
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As a final attempt to escape his fate, Faustus claims he will “burn my books” which suggests that he believes his loyalty to Lucifer has only been about knowledge but in reality it has been to gain power and wealth.
What techniques does Marlowe use?
- Oxymoron
- Stage directions
- Foreshadowing
- Language
How does Marlowe use his dramatic techniques to portray Faustus?
(Change according to the question)
Marlowe portrays how Faustus’ flaws lead to his isolated downfall.
What is Marlowe’s final message to the audience?
Not to tempt fate and mess with the powerful unknowns.
