summaries of acts and scenes Flashcards
prologue
Introducing the play, the chorus announces that no tale of warfare, romance in a king’s court, or heroic deeds will be presented. Instead the audience will witness the story of Faustus, a common man of low birth from a town called Rhodes, in Germany. Coming of age, Faustus went to live with relatives in Wertenberg, attended the university, and studied theology. He excelled in his studies and soon earned his degree along with the title of “doctor.” Then pride and ambition led him down the path of black magic. Like mythological Icarus who soared too near the hot sun on wings of wax and feathers, Faustus went too far in his pursuit of limitless knowledge.
This man, the chorus concludes, feeds upon and craves what magic has to offer. He now sits in his study.
act 1 scene 1
Alone in his study, Faustus contemplates what line of scholarship he will pursue. He has earned a higher degree in theology but suspects his interests may have changed. He first considers the study of logic, or reasoning, whose foundation is Greek philosopher Aristotle’s Analytics. Yet the main goal of logic seems to be the art of debating well. Having mastered the skill already, Faustus impatiently rejects this line of study.
Next he looks to medicine, noting a quotation from Aristotle: “Where philosophy ends, medicine begins.” Faustus mentions Galen, a physician of ancient Rome, considered the most prominent of famous doctors. Faustus knows there is good money in practicing medicine and fame to be acquired for discovering some wondrous cure. Yet he is already an accomplished physician and finds no satisfaction in his success—he is still simply Faustus.
Turning to the field of law, the doctor turns to Roman Emperor Justinian, whose works form the basis for the study of law during the Renaissance. But Faustus dismisses this, as well. He decides law is a profession too tedious and narrow in scope, with only trivial aims. Rejecting it, he arrives full circle, judging that the formal study of religion best fits his ambitions. Picking up St. Jerome’s translation of the Bible, he reads a line of verse: “The reward of sin is death.” It occurs to him that humankind is fated to sin and so fated to die an everlasting death. In light of this the study of theology also seems pointless and unable to satisfy his yearnings.
Having eliminated the three main subjects studied at a Renaissance university, Faustus turns to the “metaphysics of magicians” (the study of what is considered beyond the known world) and necromancy. This unorthodox line of scholarship promises money, pleasure, power, respect, and influence. Faustus notes that an accomplished magician “is a mighty god,” and he dreams he will become omnipotent, or all-powerful, greater than emperors or kings. Faustus decides in favor of magic and promptly sends his servant, Wagner, to invite two friends, Valdes and Cornelius, to visit. They can help him in his studies.
Alone once again, Faustus is confronted by the Good Angel and the Evil Angel. The Good Angel begs Faustus to put aside his blasphemous book of magic and read the Bible instead. The Evil Angel urges Faustus on his ambitious course of study. Once they leave, Faustus argues aloud for all the benefits of pursuing magic, all the splendid things he will accomplish with its power.
When Valdes and Cornelius arrive, Faustus tells them he has become possessed with the idea of practicing magic. Valdes assures Faustus that his intelligence guided by their experience and books will bring them all fame and privilege. Cornelius adds that once Faustus sees what magic can do, he will want to study nothing else. The two agree to help Faustus learn the rudiments of the art, expecting that he soon will outshine them. Though anxious to begin that night, Faustus asks his friends to dine with him first.
act 1 scene 2
Two nosey scholars come looking for Faustus at his residence. Wagner engages them in a bit of verbal sparring before telling them his master is at dinner with Valdes and Cornelius. The scholars take this as bad news, knowing the doctor’s guests are infamous practitioners of “that damned art.” They fear that Faustus may be practicing magic as well. Gloomily, they go off to inform the head of the university, faintly hoping he will be able to rescue Faustus from this grave mistake before it is too late.
act 1 scene 3
Faustus has sufficiently mastered the art of conjuring to call up a devil one winter’s evening. Consulting a book of spells, he draws circles, signs, and symbols. He writes Jehovah’s name backward and forward and then rearranges it to form different words. He shortens the names of the saints. Then chanting in Latin, he invokes the powers of heaven and hell, calling upon the devils of Hades, the Holy Trinity, the spirits of fire, air, water, and Earth, Belzebub, and Demogorgon (a demon). He commands that Mephastophilis appear.
When a devil shows up, Faustus judges him “too ugly to attend on me” and sends him off to change his shape into something more pleasing. He sarcastically suggests that the guise of an old Franciscan friar would be appropriate. He’s delighted when the devil immediately departs, and he anticipates that “this Mephastophilis” will be an obedient, humble servant.
Mephastophilis appears and asks Faustus what he wants of him. When Faustus demands that the devil serve him, Mephastophilis explains that he cannot without permission from his master, Lucifer. He has not come in response to Faustus’s summons but on his own. He is intrigued to assess the condition of Faustus’s soul, which he hopes to obtain. The doctor’s conjuring is a sure sign of a man in danger of being damned.
In answer to Faustus’s questions, Mephastophilis describes the nature of Lucifer as a fallen angel, his status as prince of devils, and how God threw him out of heaven for pride and insolence. Mephastophilis explains that he, being one of Lucifer’s followers, was damned with him. Reflecting on the everlasting torment he endures being separated from God, Mephastophilis warns Faustus to turn back from the course he has chosen. Dismissively, Faustus tells him to return to his master, Lucifer, and offer his (Faustus’s) soul in exchange for 24 years of service from Mephastophilis, who must do whatever he asks. Faustus also notes that during this time he wishes to live a life of “voluptuousness,” one filled with pleasure and luxury. He wants an answer by midnight. Once the devil departs, Faustus contemplates all that he will do with his anticipated power. He will be emperor of the world, capable of great feats, such as joining the continental coastline of Africa to that of Spain.
act 1 scene 4
Wagner engages in some banter with a clown, or peasant, by calling him “boy.” Insulted, the fellow asks how many “boys” he has seen with beards like his. Wagner then asserts that the fellow looks unemployed and hungry enough to sell his soul to the devil for some meat to eat. He tries to recruit him to become his servant, but the clown seems unwilling. So Wagner threatens him with magic—to turn all the clown’s lice into evil spirits that will tear him to pieces. When this fails, he forces money on the fellow that the man tries to return. In frustration Wagner calls up two devils, Baliol and Belcher, who chase the terrified clown. After a few moments, Wagner sends the devils away. Now the clown, impressed by Wagner’s demonstration, consents to serve Wagner if he will teach him to summon devils, too, and other feats of magic.
act 2 scene 1
Faustus waits in his study for Mephastophilis’s return. He is troubled by doubts about the choice he has made. On the one hand, he knows he will be damned for delving into magic. One the other, it may be too late to turn to God again—it seems impossible that God could love him. Abruptly, he realizes he would rather fulfill his own ambitious desires anyway, so he may as well continue serving Belzebub. The Good Angel and Evil Angel appear once more to argue for and against repentance. The Good Angel asserts it is not too late for Faustus to renounce magic, repent, and attain heaven. The Evil Angel argues this is an illusion, not to be trusted. He urges Faustus to keep in mind the honor and wealth he will gain through his use of magic.
The angels depart, and Faustus resolves to continue his pursuits, believing that no god can hurt him as long as Mephastophilis is beside him. At that moment the devil returns with the news that Lucifer has agreed to Faustus’s proposal: he may buy 24 years of service from Mephastophilis and a life of luxury and pleasure for the price of his soul. There is one provision. To demonstrate his commitment to the agreement, Faustus must write and sign the contract in his own blood. When Faustus asks what value his soul has for Lucifer, Mephastophilis replies that it will add to Lucifer’s growing kingdom. Asked if he, as a devil who tortures damned souls, suffers pain, Mephastophilis admits that he suffers as much as those human souls. Then to distract Faustus from any misgivings, the devil reminds him of the great rewards tied to a pact with Lucifer.
Slashing his arm, Faustus proceeds to write the contract in blood, but soon the blood congeals, making it impossible for him to continue. Briefly he wonders what this portends. Then Mephastophilis brings hot coals to liquefy the blood again, and Faustus can complete the contract. Signing it, he announces in Latin, “It is finished.” Instantly, the words Homo fuge! (Fly, O man!) appear, etched on his arm. Though it seems a dire warning, Faustus cannot think of anywhere to go. Certainly God would not offer him a safe haven.
As a diversion, Mephastophilis lavishes crowns and fine clothing on Faustus and swears “by hell and Lucifer” that the doctor shall have everything he desires. As hoped, Faustus confirms the contract, and Mephastophilis accepts it on behalf of Lucifer. Then, at Faustus’s first command, Mephastophilis describes the dreadful nature of hell. Nevertheless, Faustus says, “I think hell’s a fable,” and asserts that he has no fear of damnation.
Changing the subject, Faustus commands that Mephastophilis “fetch” him a wife. The devil returns with another devil dressed as a frightful woman. When Faustus rejects her, Mephastophilis begs him to give up all thoughts of marriage. Instead he can have the most beautiful mistresses, whomever he desires. Then, to gratify Faustus’s thirst for learning, the devil gives him an all-inclusive book of knowledge to study about spells and incantations, astronomy and astrology, and the natural sciences.
act 2 scene 2
Robin, an ostler (a person who works with horses), has stolen one of Doctor Faustus’s books of spells and intends to try his hand at conjuring. A fellow ostler named Rafe comes to inform him that a gentleman requires their services, but Robin shoos him away with a warning that he is about to do something risky. Seeing the book, Rafe remarks that Robin cannot read. Robin replies that, with luck, he can read well enough to seduce his mistress. Rafe learns that Robin is using a powerful book of spells and has been practicing some minor magic. Robin promises him a spell for beguiling the kitchen maid, Nan Spit, anytime he wishes. Thrilled at the prospect, Rafe agrees to assist Robin in his conjuring.
act 2 scene 3
Once again, Faustus is wavering in his decision to follow magic, fearing damnation. Mephastophilis declares that the heaven the doctor imagines is not as glorious as man, for whom it was made. Contrary to the effect the devil intended, Faustus turns this statement into a reason to renounce magic and repent.
At the mention of repentance, the Good Angel and Evil Angel appear. The Good Angel assures Faustus that God will still pity him if he repents, while the Evil Angel claims that God cannot. Faustus asserts that God will pity him if he repents, to which the Evil Angel replies, “Ay, but Faustus never shall repent.”
The angels depart, and Faustus admits that repentance feels impossible because “[his] heart’s so hardened.” He bemoans the fact that whenever he mentions salvation, faith, or heaven, the refrain “Faustus, thou art damned” echoes in his ears like thunder. He feels he might have committed suicide by now, except for the fact that the “sweet pleasure” that magic offers has “conquered [his] deep despair.” So thinking, Faustus resolves yet again to never repent and calls upon Mephastophilis to discuss the nature of the cosmos. The discussion goes well until Faustus asks who made the world. Mephastophilis refuses to answer. He reminds Faustus that, in his fallen state, he should think more about hell, which he calls “our kingdom,” and he can’t tell Faustus anything that goes against it.
Faustus is shaken into wondering if it’s too late for his soul. The Evil Angel appears and states firmly that it is. The Good Angel follows with assurances that it’s never too late. The Evil Angel promises that devils will tear Faustus to pieces if he repents, while the Good Angel vows they will never cut his skin. Confused and terrified, Faustus cries out for Christ the Savior to save his wretched soul.
Hearing Faustus’s appeal to Christ, Lucifer, Belzebub, and Mephastophilis appear. Lucifer bluntly tells Faustus that he is beyond salvation through Christ’s intervention. He then warns Faustus to never again invoke Christ’s name or think of God. To do so is against the pact Faustus made with him. Faustus asks Lucifer’s pardon and vows to obey. To reinforce the doctor’s resolve, Lucifer parades before him personifications of the Seven Deadly Sins: Pride, Covetousness, Wrath, Envy, Gluttony, Sloth, and Lechery. The display appeals to Faustus’s baser appetites, prompting him to exclaim, “Oh, this feeds my soul!” Lucifer promises that hell holds all such manner of delights. He then gives Faustus a new book of spells to peruse, which the doctor gratefully accepts, and reminds him to “think on the devil.”
act 3 chorus
Assuming the role of the chorus, Wagner explains that Faustus has dedicated himself to the pursuit of limitless knowledge. He has mastered astronomy, gained power to match that of the Olympian gods, and is now out gathering knowledge of geography. He next stops in Rome with the aim of seeing the pope and taking part in the day’s holy Feast of Saint Peter.
act 3 scene 3
Doctor Faustus recounts the course of his recent travels with Mephastophilis. He highlights memorable places of beauty or significance: Trier, Germany; Paris and the coast of France; the path of the Rhine River; Naples and Campania, Italy; the poet Virgil’s tomb; Venice and Padua, Italy. He then asks if Mephastophilis has brought him to Rome, as commanded. The devil assures Faustus this is so and they are in the pope’s private chamber. He then describes the high points of the surrounding city, such as the Tiber River, the four main bridges, the castle, and so on. Intrigued, Faustus eagerly suggests they go off and explore Rome. But Mephastophilis bids him to stay until he sees the pope, promising they’ll have some fun. Faustus agrees and, in preparation, asks the devil to make him invisible.
The pope enters accompanied by the cardinal of Lorraine and attendant friars. A banquet is waiting. To the embarrassment of the pope and confusion of all, their conversation is interrupted with snide comments by a disembodied voice. Dishes of food and cups are snatched by invisible hands. The cardinal suggests this is a soul escaped from purgatory, to which the pope agrees. He then makes the sign of the cross, only to have his ears boxed by unseen hands. At the pope’s direction, the friars begin a dirge to curse the evil spirit. In response Faustus and Mephastophilis beat them and throw fireworks among them before leaving.
act 3 scene 2
Robin and Rafe have been using Doctor Faustus’s book to do some conjuring. Robin holds up the proof of their success: a stolen silver goblet. Just then a vintner (wine merchant) approaches, demanding payment for the goblet. Robin and Rafe deny having the item and secretly pass it back and forth while the vintner searches each of them. Then Robin insists on searching the vintner, uttering an incantation while he does so. The result is the appearance of a disgruntled Mephastophilis, who has traveled all the way from Constantinople to answer the summons. Finding that the call came from these two lowly villains, the devil angrily turns Robin into an ape and Rafe into a dog.
act 4 chorus
The chorus explains that Faustus has enjoyed all he cares to see of the world and has returned to Germany. His friends have welcomed him home and have been amazed by the wide-ranging knowledge of astrology, the world, and magic the doctor has acquired. Faustus’s intellectual prowess has made him famous “in every land.” Emperor Carolus the Fifth has invited the doctor to visit his palace and demonstrate his art.
act 4 scene 1
At the court of Carolus the Fifth, the emperor challenges Faustus to prove his celebrated knowledge of conjuring. He promises Faustus will not be harmed in any way for performing magic. Faustus agrees, and the emperor requests that the doctor raise Alexander the Great and his paramour from their tombs. Faustus explains that he cannot raise their physical bodies, which have long since turned to dust, but will make them appear as spirits. Throughout this exchange between Faustus and the emperor, a knight has interjected snide, skeptical comments. Now he mocks Faustus openly and leaves, having no desire to witness Faustus’s conjuring. The doctor promises to get even with him soon.
Mephastophilis ushers in Alexander the Great and his paramour. To the emperor, the two beings appear alive and tangible. Once they leave, Faustus asks that the unpleasant knight be called back. The man returns, unaware that a pair of horns has sprouted from his head. The emperor points them out, saying they are a sure sign the man is married and has been cheated on by his wife. Furious, the knight demands Faustus undo this magic. After savoring his revenge, Faustus does so and leaves the court.
Faustus returns to Wertenberg, Germany. Once home, he is approached by a horse-courser (horse trader) who asks to buy his horse. With a little persuasion, Faustus finally agrees but adds slyly that the horse-courser must not ride the horse into water. After the man departs, Faustus frets over the waning days of his life and the doom that is pending. He draws some comfort from the New Testament story of a thief’s last-minute redemption as he hung on a cross next to the crucified Jesus Christ. So thinking, the doctor falls asleep in his chair.
Some while later, the horse-courser returns, wet and crying, to Faustus’s home. He tells Mephastophilis that he wants back his 40 dollars. Thinking Faustus’s horse had magical qualities that water would reveal, the man had defied the doctor’s warning and ridden the animal into a pond. The horse had promptly disappeared. Mephastophilis shows the man where Faustus lies fast asleep. When the man’s shouts do not rouse the doctor, the horse-courser grabs Faustus’s leg and pulls. To his horror, the leg comes off, and the terrified man runs away. Faustus and Mephastophilis are enjoying the results of this latest prank when Wagner enters. He announces that the duke of Vanholt wishes Faustus to visit. The doctor and devil immediately depart.
act 4 scene 2
The duke and duchess of Vanholt have been enjoying Faustus and Mephastophilis’s company. Addressing the duchess, who is pregnant, Faustus asks what he might provide in the way of a delicacy to please her. She replies that she craves a dish of ripe grapes—something impossible to get at this time, during winter. Faustus says she shall have it and sends off Mephastophilis. The devil returns moments later with the best grapes the duchess has ever tasted. She asks how Faustus obtained them, when grapes are available only in summer. The doctor explains while it is winter here, it is summer in some far countries of the world. He only must send a “swift spirit” to fetch the grapes. With thanks, the duke and duchess promise to reward Faustus well for this great kindness.
act 5 scene 1
In a brief soliloquy Wagner expresses concern that his master intends to die soon. Faustus has given him all his possessions. Yet it seems odd to him that, for a man about to die, the doctor is feasting, drinking, and partying to excess with university students.
As Wagner departs, Faustus enters with three scholars. They have been dining together, and the scholars now beg Faustus to conjure up the peerless beauty Helen of Troy. Seeing that they are sincere in their interest, Faustus consents. With the help of Mephastophilis, Helen appears in all her glory, to the awe and delight of the scholars. They depart happy men.
An old man enters as the scholars are leaving. He offers Faustus yet another chance to repent. Though the doctor’s sins are heinous, he still may be saved through the mercy of Jesus Christ, the Savior. Disbelieving and in despair, Faustus takes a dagger offered by Mephastophilis, intending to commit suicide. The old man begs the doctor to stop, declaring that an angel hovers over him, ready to grant him grace. Faustus senses some truth in this and asks the old man to go away while he ponders it. The old man leaves with a heavy heart.
Faustus teeters on the verge of repentance until Mephastophilis calls him a traitor to Lucifer and threatens to tear him apart. With apologies, Faustus declares he will reaffirm his vow in blood and, cutting his arm, writes. Then he commands Mephastophilis to torment the old man who dared tempt him to break his pact with Lucifer. However, the old man’s faith is strong, and Mephastophilis predicts that no torment can touch his soul, only his body. Faustus then asks the devil to bring back Helen to be his lover, which the devil does gladly “in a twinkling of an eye.” Bedazzled by her beauty and her kiss, Faustus swears she will be his one and only paramour. When Faustus departs with Helen, the old man (who has returned) is threatened by devils. However, as Mephastophilis expected, his faith remains strong and unshaken by their abuse.
