The Legend of Faust
• Early Modern Period in Germany (13501600) also gave rise to legends.
• Early Modern Legends are folk heroes, not
warriors or chieftains. Different society.
• Like earlier legends, folk heroes also exist
on the margins of recorded history.
• Examples: Till Eulenspiegel
Johann Faust
The Legend of Faust
• The historical Georg Faust is a shadowy
character, probably lived c. 1480 – 1538.
• He is a contemporary of Martin Luther.
• Historical documents mention Faust in
Heidelberg, Knittlingen, Wittenberg etc.,
but may refer to different individuals.
• Faust seems to have been an astrologer and
alchemist of ill-repute – not uncommon!
The Legend of Faust
• Faust was a Renaissance Man, one active
in all branches of arts and sciences.
• Many similar characters from the period:
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Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim (Paracelsus)
Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo Galilei (Italian)
Cornelius Agrippa (German)
John Dee (English)
Copernicus (Czech)
• Unlike these, Faust seems to have been
more of a swindler than a real scientist.
The Legend of Faust
• The Faust Legend is a conglomeration of
these characters and earlier medieval
accounts of wizards and sorcerers:
• Merlin the Magician
• Simon Magus
• Theophilus
• The Faust Legend arose – about 70 years
later – as a loose collection of stories
associated with Faust. Oral Transmission.
The Legend of Faust
• The first version of Faust was published by
Johann Spies in Frankfurt in 1587:
Historia von
D. Johann Fausten
dem weitbeschreyten Zauberer und Schwarzkünstler
• An independent manuscript version from
Nürnberg may be slightly older.
• Spies presented a moralistic tale from a
staunch Protestant perspective.
The Legend of Faust
• The one defining element of all versions of
the legend is the Pact with the Devil.
• An ancient idea, found in a number of
classical and medieval works.
• Faust fascinated Renaissance audiences
because his pact called into question the
great advances of the age – humanism,
science, art, and philosophy.
The Legend of Faust
• The Spies Chapbook of 1587 (Volksbuch)
presents Faust’s life as a warning not to seek
forbidden knowledge or experience.
• The Chapbook constructed as a frame tale:
• opening chapters discuss his sinful pact w/ Mephisto
• concluding chapters discuss the consequences
• Inside chapters list Faust’s adventures.
• Very episodic, entertaining, little moralizing.
The Legend of Faust
• The Spies chapbook established a number of
elements that are conventionally retained in
other versions of the legend:
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7.
Faust’s career as a scholar and astronomer
His frustration with limitations of human knowledge
His turn toward necromancy to aid his search for knowledge
His pact with the evil spirit (Mephostophilis)
Cosmological discussions of heaven and hell
Visitations by various demons and spirits for amusement
Travel through European countries and capital cities
The Legend of Faust
8. A visit to the Imperial Court of Charles V as a Magician
9. A visit to the Pope in Rome, where he mocks the Pontiff
10. Pranks played on the other courtiers of Charles V
11. Further pranks played on all manner of people – horse traders,
inn keepers, peasants, Jewish peddlers, etc.
12. Riotous living with his students – drinking and carousing!
13. The conjuration of classical heroes, esp. Helen of Troy
14. Failed attempts by pious men to return Faust to the Lord
15. A marriage to (a demon in the form of) Helen of Troy
16. Faust’s despair as his appointed time draws to a close
17. Faust’s gruesome death presented as a warning to others
The Legend of Faust
• The Spies chapbook was, to judge from
translations and new editions, very popular.
• English Version (EFB) appeared in 1592:
The
Historie
of the damnable life, and deserved death of
Doctor John Faustus,
Newly imprinted, and in convenient places imperfect matter
amended: according to the true Copie, printed at Franckfort,
and translated into English by P. F. Gent.[leman].
The Legend of Faust
• A selection of chapters from The Damnable
Life (EFB) is printed on pp. 92-145 of the
Signet Classic edition of Marlowe.
• Suggested Reading for class!
• The EFB is a close translation of Spies, but
it contains new material used by Marlowe.
• New versions of the legend typically add
new episodes appealing to later societies.
The Legend of Faust
• Marlowe’s drama cannot be dated exactly:
he may have used the German version, or
only the English, or some combination:
The Tragicall History of
the Life and Death
of Doctor Faustus.
• Marlowe died in 1593, but the first printing of
Doctor Faustus was in 1604. A later printing in
1616 contained a number of differences.
The Legend of Faust
• After Marlowe, a number of other editions
were written in Germany:
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1599 Expanded Chapbook edition by Widmann
1674 New additions by Pfitzer (love for a village girl)
1725 The “well-meaning Christian’s” children’s story
1650-1750 English comedians presented a version based
on Marlowe throughout Germany; this was also the basis
for the beloved Faust puppet play.
• 1759 G. E. Lessing wrote fragments of a Faust drama –
this was the first version to save Faust from damnation!
The Legend of Faust
• Later versions of Faust legend in Germany
(Storm-and-Stress to Classicism):
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1778 Faust’s Life by Friedrich (Maler) Müller
1791 Faust’s Life, Deeds, and Ride to Hell by Klinger
1770-1808 Faust, Part One, by J. W. Goethe
1833 Faust, Part Two by Goethe (publ. posthumously)
• Goethe’s work is a masterpiece of world
literature, extremely influential on all
subsequent versions of the legend.
The Legend of Faust
• Later versions of Faust legend appeared
throughout Europe and America.
• Every generation presents its own version of the
Faust legend, based upon their own aspirations,
desires and fears.
• Modern versions of Faust do not usually punish
Faust for seeking forbidden knowledge and
experience.
• What would a contemporary American version look like?
Christopher Marlowe
Marlowe probably a spy for Queen Elizabeth’s secret
service, perhaps spying on Catholics abroad.
Marlowe was born in Canterbury in 1564 (the same year as
Shakespeare), son of a shoemaker.
1578 a student at King’s School, Canterbury
1580 a scholarship to Corpus Christi College, Cambridge
1584 received his BA
1587 Cambridge rejected his MA, probably because he
refused to continue his religious studies
The Queen’s Privy Council intervened, ordering the
university to give Marlowe his degree, for he had been
“engaged ... in matters touching the benefit of the country.”
Christopher Marlowe
1593 Thomas Kyd, a roommate, was arrested for heretical
books; he claimed they belonged to Marlowe.
Marlowe was arrested, but in effect put on probation.
On 30 May, Marlowe was having a feast with three friends
at Deptford, when a quarrel broke out about the bill.
Marlowe struck Ingram Frizer with the handle of a dagger.
Frizer stabbed Marlowe through the eye “in such sort that
the brains coming out at the dagger point and he shortly
thereafter died.”
Marlowe was posthumously accused of atheism, treason,
and of holding the opinion “that they that love not tobacco
and boys were fools.”
Christopher Marlowe
Several “conspiracy theories”
Marlowe was probably murdered on the orders of the
government, as a spy who knew too much. The whole
barroom brawl was possibly staged. Frizer was pardoned
by Queen Elizabeth two weeks later.
Shakespeare:
When a man’s verses cannot be read, nor a man’s
good wit seconded with the forward child
understanding, it strikes a man more dead than a
great reckoning in a little room.
As You Like It Act III, scene 2.
Doctor Faustus I
A five-act play in the tradition of the Elizabethan theater.
Probably written c. 1592, not published until 1604.
The phrase “Faustian bargain” has entered the English
lexicon, referring to any deal made for a short-term gain with
great costs in the long run.
Prologue: Character of Faust introduced (cite Pr. 11-27).
Faustus, a well-respected German scholar, grows dissatisfied
with the limits of traditional forms of knowledge –
philosophy, medicine, law, and theology – and decides that
he wants to learn to practice magic (cite I.1. 47-60).
He wants limitless dominion, knowledge and experience.
Doctor Faustus I
Faustus is visited by good and evil angels, who each offer
him advice. Religious framework (cite I.1. 67-74).
Faustus summons a devil with thunder and lightning; he can't
bear to see his natural shape. Tells him to return as an old
Franciscan Friar! (“That holy shape becomes a devil best” –
criticism of Catholicism)
Devil returns as Mephostophilis.
Faustus asks Mephostophilis about Lucifer and hell – the
theological discussions begun immediately.
Mephostophilis tries to warn Faustus about becoming a slave
to Lucifer! (cite I.3.75-81)
Doctor Faustus I
Faustus is unimpressed, he suggests a pact with Lucifer: for
24 years, he asks for use of the powers of dark magic with
Mephostophilis as his servant. Then Lucifer can claim his
soul! (cite I.3.82-100).
Mephostophilis leaves to present the proposal to his master,
Lucifer.
Faustus’s aide Wagner forces Robin to be his servant for
seven years, otherwise he will let lose lice upon him.
Robin is not too impressed (he already has lice) Wagner
summons two devils, which does the trick – comic relief.
Doctor Faustus 2
Mephostophilis returns with his master's answer: Lucifer
agrees to the deal.
Faustus is told to “write a deed of gift with thine own
blood” (II.1. 36).
Heavenly intervention: Faustus’s blood dries unnaturally
quickly before he can sign the pact.
A second Intervention: Faustus signs the pact with his blood
but a strange inscription appears on his arm: “Home fuge!”
pact is presented in detail (cite 2.1. 95-15).
Faust does not believe in “hell on earth,” requests a wife –
given a female devil (“here’s a hot whore indeed!” 151).
Doctor Faustus 2
Theological discussions of creation, heaven and hell.
Lucifer appears, tells Faustus not to think of Christ for he is
damned!
Faustus promises to abjure God forever (cite 2.2. 101-105)
To distract him, Lucifer and Belzebub present demonic
personifications of the Seven Deadly Sins.
Entertainment: “O, how this sight doth delight my soul!”
Comic relief: stock character clowns Dick and Robin try to
do magic spells from one of Faustus' books.
Comic relief was an important feature of Elizabethan
Drama, often parallel action as farce instead of tragedy.
Doctor Faustus 3
The chorus tells about the Faustus’s adventures and
experiences flying on dragons through the universe.
Faustus and his sidekick now travel to Rome to see the
Pope, playing tricks on him (criticism of Catholicism).
Faustus and Mephostophilis dress as Cardinals and rescue
Bruno, a rival to the pope supported by the German
emperor.
When the masquerade is discovered, the real cardinals take
the blame and are led to prison to be executed.
Faustus is invisible and plays pranks on the pope. He
snatches his dish, takes away his wine, etc... finally strikes
the Pope!
Doctor Faustus 3 / 4
Comic Relief: Robin manages to conjure Mephostophilis,
who, annoyed, turns Robin into an ape and Dick into a dog.
Act 4 takes place at the court of the Holy Roman Emperor,
Charles V. Faustus is now famous as an astrologist, who
provides entertainment through the use of black magic.
Benvolio, a courtier, is introduced as an antagonist to
Faustus. He is envious and distrustful.
Faustus conjures the image of Alexander the Great for the
emperor, while Benvolio pretends to fall asleep.
Faustus put horns on Benvolio's head, humiliating him in
front of the emperor and the court. (Horns an allusion to
cuckolding – i.e. his wife has been unfaithful). Pranks.
Doctor Faustus 4
After the Emperor has had a good laugh at poor Benvolio's
expense, he has Faustus remove the horns – “And hereafter
sir, look you speak well of scholars” (4.2. 116).
Benvolio and his friends resolve to kill the doctor for the
humiliation that Benvolio had to endure.
They lay an ambush; Benvolio cuts off Faustus’s head.
While they discuss how to humiliate the dead body, Faustus
rises alive, terrifying his slayers (cite 4.3.69-93). Slapstick
comedy.
Another prank: Faustus and the horse courser. Example of
folk humor, getting even with unpopular social types. Note
the pun on “horse-flesh” (whore’s flesh)
Doctor Faustus 4
Showdown between Faustus and a group of his drunken
victims at the court of the Duke of Vanholt.
Comic effect through Faustus' courtesy and the behaviour of
the drunken party.
All of the clowns whom Faustus has tricked are there. When
they reproach Faustus with his deeds, he simply charms
them, to the amusement of the nobles.
First conjuring of Helen of Troy for the Duke.
Faustus might have achieved great things, discovered new
lands, revealed mysteries hidden beyond human
understanding, but he has reduced himself to showing
parlour tricks and playing pranks on the common people.
Doctor Faustus 5
Wagner enters and speaks about Faustus dying shortly. He
has made his will and given his belongings to Wagner.
Feasting and drinking with students – distractions in his
final days.
A scholar asks Faustus to conjure Helen of Troy, since they
determined she was the most beautiful of all women.
Helen of Troy appears, makes a profound effect on the men.
An Old Man appears, gives Faustus another warning. He
despairs and almost repents his sins (cite 5.1. 35-77).
To distract Faustus, Mephistopheles gives him Helen “to
glut the longing of his heart’s desire” (cite 5.1. 86-114).
Doctor Faustus 5
Beginning of the End. Lucifer comes from hell and asks
Mephostophilis how Faustus “doth demean himself.”
Mephostophilis responds that Faustus “numbs himself with
idle fantasies” (cite 5.2. 11-19).
The scholars visit Faustus a final time; he confesses his
bargain with the devil. They urge him to repent, but he feels
it is too late (cite 5.2. 40-65).
The scholars leave to pray, he bids them farewell.
Good and Bad Angels comment on Faustus and his errors
(5.2. 106-139).
Soliloquy with one hour left to live (cite 5.2. 140-197).
The night is spent with “fearful shrieks and cries.”
Doctor Faustus 5
The ending is similar to medieval Morality Plays; the
mouth of hell appears and swallows the unrepentant sinner.
The Chorus provides an epilogue:
Cut is the branch that might have grown full straight,
And burned is Apollo's laurel-bough,
That sometime grew within this learned man.
Faustus is gone: regard his hellish fall,
Whose fiendful fortune may exhort the wise,
Only to wonder at unlawful things,
Whose deepness doth entice such forward wits
To practice more than heavenly power permits. (5.3. 1-8)
Doctor Faustus
Important Themes
1. The Idea of Sin – acting contrary to the will of God.
In making a pact with Lucifer, Faustus not only renounces
God, but he also chooses to swear alliance to the devil.
His despair is a further sin – doubting God’s grace.
Faustus has repeated admonitions to repent (Angels, Old
Man, Scholars, etc.) – until the very last scene, where
Marlowe seems to leave the Christian framework.
To heighten the dramatic effect, there is no forgiveness
when Faustus begs for it.
Is Doctor Faustus a Renaissance Morality Play?
Doctor Faustus
2. Conflicting World Views
Conflict between the value systems of the middle ages and
the Renaissance (Early Modern Period).
Scholar R.M. Dawkins famously remarked that Doctor
Faustus tells “the story of a Renaissance man who had to pay
the medieval price for being one.”
The medieval world placed God at the center of existence,
man and science were shunted aside.
In the age of secular humanism, man was the center of
existence; Faustus' obsession with individual experience and
knowledge made him a poster boy for the age (and a kindred
spirit to Marlowe). Was Faustus a humanist martyr?
Doctor Faustus
3. Power Corrupts
In the beginning, Faustus has heroic plans, he wants to
transcend ordinary limitations, expand the boundaries of
science and unveil the secrets of the world (while making a
little money and becoming famous, too).
However, when Faustus gains his limitless power, he
contents himself with cheap tricks for the nobility and even
cheaper pranks for the commoners.
His great individualism degrades into selfishness and
debauchery.
A tragedy of corrupted desire?
Doctor Faustus
4. The image of Man Divided
Throughout the play, Faustus constantly wonders whether
he should repent or not. He is caught between two desires:
To do good and to serve God, or
To grasp the power and the pleasure that
Mephostophilis offers
Symbols of this struggle within Faustus: The Good and the
Bad Angel.
A very Protestant idea (Martin Luther's theology), that man
is by nature weak and divided, and that one can be saved
only by personal trust in God's grace.
Faustus as an illustration of Lutheran theology?