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Unit 11: Doctor Faustus: Plot Construction Including Detailed Analysis of Sub Plot and Theme

• Faustus has explored the heavens and the earth from a chariot drawn by dragons, and is now Notes
flying to Rome, where the feast honoring St. Peter is about to be celebrated. Mephostophilis
and Faustus wait for the Pope, depicted as an arrogant, decidedly unholy man.
• Doctor Faustus is a well-constructed play. In the opening of the play, the audience is given
the exposition: an explanation of the subject matter of this tragedy.
• The climax is reached in Act II, Scene 1, in which Faustus signs a pact with Lucifer. Following
this pact, the audience sees a series of demonstrations of Faustus’ magical powers.
• The outcome of the protagonist’s pact with the devil is seen in Act V.
• The most important and prominent themes in Doctor Faustus is by far the conflict between
good and evil in the world and the human soul.
• Like many of Marlowe’s heroes, Faustus was self-driven by greed and ambition.
• Salvation through Prayer is the third important motif in the play.
• Despite his unholy soul, Faustus is often viewed by audiences with pity and compassion.
• The axis of this theme is the conflict between Greek or Renaissance worldviews, and the
Christian worldview that has held sway throughout the medieval period.
• Pride is one of the Seven Deadly Sins, arguable the one that leads to all the others.
• The theme of the quest for power in Doctor Faustus is connected with the theme of the quest
for knowledge. Knowledge bestows power on the knower.

11.5 Keywords

Repent : To feel sorry, self-reproachful, or contrite for past conduct; regret or be conscience-
stricken about a past action, attitude, etc.
Monologue : A form of dramatic entertainment, comedic solo, or the like by a single speaker. Or
a prolonged talk or discourse by a single speaker, especially one dominating or
monopolizing a conversation.
Exposition : A large-scale public exhibition or show, as of art or manufactured products. Or
writing or speech primarily intended to convey information or to explain.
Plebeians : Belonging or pertaining to the common people.
Epilogue : A speech, usually in verse, delivered by one of the actors after the conclusion of a
play.
Morals : Pertaining to, or concerned with the principles or rules of right conduct or the
distinction between right and wrong, ethical, moral attitudes. Or expressing or
conveying truths or counsel as to right conduct, as a speaker or a literary work.
Greed : Excessive or rapacious desire, especially for wealth or possessions.
Ambition : An earnest desire for some type of achievement or distinction, as power, honor,
fame, or wealth, and the willingness to strive for its attainment.
Avarice : Insatiable greed for riches; inordinate, miserly desire to gain and hoard wealth.
Salvation : The act of saving or protecting from harm, risk, loss, destruction, etc. Or the state of
being saved or protected from harm, risk, etc.
Despair : Someone or something that causes hopelessness.
Tragic Hero : A great or virtuous character in a dramatic tragedy who is destined for downfall,
suffering, or defeat.
Pride : A high or inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority,
whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.
Redemption : An act of redeeming or the state of being redeemed.

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