Meph as Teacher Flashcards
First time Meph enters the play?
First time Meph enters the play, he is used by Marlowe as a cautionary figure in order to highlight Faustus’ hubris and ignorance.
What does Meph do?
He teaches Faustus about the limits of the power he will gain, the nature of hell and the dangers of the deal.
“I am _____ to _____ Lucifer… no more than he _____ must we _____”
Servant - Noun - Subservient to another power, starkly contrasts Faustus and his inflated ego.
Great Lucifer - Immediately implicates where Meph’s loyalties lie. Power dynamic: Lucifer @ top.
No more than he commands must we perform - Meph makes it clear the limit to any power Faustus will gain.
“That was the _____, but yet _____ _____. For when we hear one rack the name of God. We fly in hope to get his glorious soul.”
Cause, per, accidents
per accidents - Latin
glorious soul - Cautions Faustus of sanctity of soul, do not damage it.
His conjuring is unconnected to Faustus’ incantation.
Reiterating lack of power - dramatic spells: pointless and somewhat embarrassing.
“Why this is _____, nor am I _____ _____ _____”
Hell, out, of, it
Meph’s suffering is inescapable/eternal.
Despite Faustus’ extensive knowledge of divinity, he still asks questions - ignornace.
What act and scene is all of this in?
A1:SC3
“O _____, leave these _____ demands, which strike a _____ to my _____ soul”
Faustus, frivolous, terror, fainting
Apostrophe - Frustration.
Meph warns Faustus about his foolish desires, as he, unlike Faustus understands sacred nature of a soul.
Parallel “Had I as many souls as there be stars/I’d give them all” (A1SC4)
–> Simile: Faustus as foolish as he knows the consequences of transgressing and still desires it.
