prologue Flashcards
what is a prologue?
an exposition before the action of a play (“set scene”)
what type of figure is dr f established as? + quote
an everyman figure - “base of stock”
what is an everyman figure and it’s purpose?
an ordinary hero - make the didactic message more relatable/impactful
what is a scholar?
educated/academic expert
meaning of divinity
religion
meaning of gluttonous
excessive greed
meaning of necromancy
communicating to the dead with black magic
higher level word for power
omnipotence
what technique is used right at the beginning of the prologue?
(“Nor……./Nor……./Nor……./)
anaphoric repetition of negators
what does the anaphoric repetition of negators at the beginning of the prologue show?
it emphasises Faustus’s everyman status = he isn’t a brave soldier, quest romancer or noble
what are Faustus’s parents described as?
“base of stock”
what do we learn about Faustus’s background when his parents are described as being “base of stock”?
low social rank, he comes from humble beginnings
what technique is used in the middle of the prologue?
(“riper”, “fruitful”, “sweet”)
semantic field of food
how does the semantic field of food illustrate Faustus’s pursuit of religious knowledge?
it presents knowledge; as something that feeds you and nourishes you, a necessity, will leads to Faustus’s growth
what classical allusion does Marlowe use in the prologue?
The Story of Icarus
what the quote support the use of the classical allusion in the prologue?
“waxen wings”
why does Marlowe make use of classical allusion on the prologue?
To introduce Faustus’s overreaching by drawing upon the myth of Icarus , a story about the dangers of hubris
what is the AO3 for the prologue?
Wittenberg and The Protestant Reformation
A03: Wittenberg and The Protestant Reformation
Audience associates Wittenburg University to the radical professor of moral theology, Martin Luther
In 1517, he nailed his thesis to the door of a church, criticising the corruption of the catholic church (catholic clergy selling indulgences, a promised remission from punishment of sin)
This was one of the key events that led to The Protestant Reformation (move away from Catholicism, towards Protestantism, which is a different form of Christianity)
By linking Martin and Faustus (both went to Wittenberg University) this presents the eponymous character as a radical, revolutionary individual
what is Faustus?
a prodigy
what is a prodigy
a genius that exceeds natural ability
