Book Review
Name____________________________
Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe
Christopher Marlowe was born in England in 1564, the son of a cobbler. He was able
to obtain a scholarship to Cambridge University, where he eventually received an
M.A. He then went to London to write for the new theatres that were popping up in
the capital. There is much speculation about Marlowe’s life, from his sexuality to the
tragic circumstances of his death. Marlowe was killed at the age of 29, the victim of a
barroom brawl…or was he? Some have suggested that Marlowe was assassinated by
the government, possibly because of atheistic writings.
The plot of Doctor Faustus is rather straightforward…a man sells his soul to the devil
for some reward, in this case knowledge and power. It was written in the early
1590’s, and not published until 1604, eleven years after Marlowe’s death.
Remember, it was written as a stage play and many of these dramas were never
published. Although the Northern Renaissance was in full swing, medieval attitudes
were still pervasive, and the play really straddles both the Medieval and Renaissance
worlds. Keep in mind…Medieval = God-centered philosophy and theology,
Renaissance = humanism, or human-centered philosophy and classical studies. Here
are some dates to put the time period in perspective
1517 - Martin Luther posts 95 Theses in Wittenburg
1529 – Henry VIII of England breaks with the Catholic Church
1543 – Copernicus says that the Earth revolves around the Sun
1550 – The major witch persecutions in Europe start
1555 – The Peace of Augsburg gives Lutherans protection in the Holy Roman Empire
1558 – Elizabeth I becomes queen of England
1589 – Henry of Bourbon becomes king of France
1593 – Marlowe is killed in a tavern brawl
Write a paper of at least three pages in length exploring the topic below. Your essay
should have a title, be computer written and double-spaced. Write your name on the
LAST page of your paper. Plagiarism with be dealt with mercilessly.
Due the BEGINNING of class March 31.
Discuss Faustus’ character from a medieval viewpoint. In addition, explain his
character from a Renaissance viewpoint. In your opinion, is the play a comedy or a
tragedy (hint: it has elements of both). Explain.
Use this page as a cover sheet.