Introduction to
Doctor Faustus
A drama by Christopher Marlowe
Adapted from (unless indicated):
Marlowe, Christopher. Doctor Faustus, edited by Sylvan Barnet.
Signet Classic: New York, 2001.
Christopher Marlowe
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Born in Canterbury in 1564, the same year as William Shakespeare’s
birth.
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Attended Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, and received a bachelor’s
degree in 1584 and a master’s degree in 1587.
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Alleged to be a government spy, supported by a statement from the
Queen’s Privy Council, which stated he “had done her majesty good
service” and has been employed “in matters touching the benefit of the
country.”

Marlowe wrote seven plays before he was arrested in 1593, accused of
atheism. He was not imprisoned, but before his case was decided he was
killed. Marlowe died from the wounds of a stabbing received in a fight
in a tavern over a bill.
Faustian Bargains

These two words have become apart of the English language as a
result of Dr. Johann Faust, or Faustus, a magician and an astrologer
who died in 1538.

The term “Faustian Bargain” is commonly taken to refer to the
belief that we can remake reality to suit our desire, but there is a
negative consequence.

By putting aside the merits of the individual instances, people are so
eager to gain immediate power that they engage in actions that they
know are evil.
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In popular usage, it seems to mean not much more than selling one’s
soul to the devil for some temporary advantage.
Marlowe’s
Faustian Bargain
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Faustus is not motivated merely by self-interest, but by lofty ideals.
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The tragedy resides not only in his choice of evil in an effort to
advance himself, but in the corruption of those lofty ideals and in
the waste of greatness.

Marlowe took in the legends concerning Johann Faust and created
the idea that pride will have a fall. His fortune, in short, teaches us
to adhere to traditional behaviour, rather than to practice the
unlawful things that exceptional minds give themselves to.
Magician Archetype
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An archetype is an original model of person, ideal example, or prototype upon which others are copied.
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Characteristics of the magician archetype:
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Ability to work with, or channel, energy or power.
Knowledge of things people don’t understand.
A “magician” can be a scientist, electronics technician, a psychotherapist –
all of who have been trained in particular fields of how energy systems work.
The masculine magician learns through the acquisition of knowledge.
The feminine magician uses her intuition, her perception and her inner eyes
and senses to wield her power.
The magician may be seen in the priest or priestess, the seer or prophet, the
technician, the lawyer, the therapist and psychotherapist, the healer, the
doctor, or the shaman.
Adapted from:
“Understanding The Four Primary Archetypes” by Mary Ovenstone, printed in Odyssey Magazine.
Popular
“Faustian Bargains”

The Little Mermaid – Ariel makes a deal with the sea witch Ursula to
sell her voice for a chance to meet and fall in love with the Prince.

The Devil’s Advocate – A Florida attorney begins working for a law
firm run by the Devil, starring Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino.

“The Gretzky Trade” – In 1988, Edmonton Oilers’ owner Peter
Pocklington trades Wayne Gretzky to the Los Angeles Kings
because he needed money as his other business ventures were not
going well.
Religion vs. Science

Can religion and science coexist?

To what extent does the study of science and the knowledge it
impart eradicate faith?

What are some historical examples of this struggle?
Dr Faustus –
A Tragic Hero

The Greek philosopher Aristotle defined a tragic hero as a person of
great stature and virtue who becomes aware of a moral defect within
himself. This defect leads to great tragedy.

Many Greek and plays included a tragic hero whose tragic flaw was
hubris, which is arrogance.

Tragic Greek heroes often challenged the gods or seemed to believe
themselves to be above other human beings. Since then, many other
plays have included tragic heroes, such as many of Shakespeare’s
tragedies. More modern playwrights have included characters of
lesser stature who also have tragic flaws that lead to their downfall.