Page 154 - DENG403_BRITISH_DRAMA

British Drama

Notes 12.2.2 Covetousness

Faustus demonstrates this in various scenes, when he evokes the devils magic, the want of a wife,
and the overall actions of his character portray his pursuit of knowledge and glory. Usually this sin
is manifested through sex, power, or image which demises the self control and can suffocate the
soul. It is the self-destructive drive for pleasure which is out of control. Faustus ... performs his silly
tricks for self indulgence.

Illustrate a few scenes where Faustus demonstrates covetousness.

12.2.3 Envy

Doctor Faustus wanted more in his life and envied the powers of others. Therefore he wanted to
command the demons to control the world to his accord... Doctor Faustus was envious of the
accomplishment of others and wanted to exceed their glory (Act One). In one of the comic scenes,
scene 6, we learn that Robin and Rafe have stolen one of Faustus’ books and plan to use it to seduce
a woman. They must have been jealous of Faustus’ power and his magical aptitude.

12.2.4 Wrath

Often this is our first reaction to the faults of others. Faustus demonstrates his impatience with the
way he treats the people around him, his servants (demonic and human), as well as other characters
... Wrath is what Faustus feels when he conjures up horns to place on the head of a knight of Emperor
Charles V, court. Since the knight shows skepticism in Faustus’ powers, Faustus must rebuke his
insolence by placing horns on the knight’s head.

12.2.5 Gluttony

Glottony is temperance in accepting the natural limits of pleasures, and preserves of the natural
balance. This does not pertain only to food, but to entertainment and other legitimate goods, and
even the company of others. Faustus demonstrates gluttony when he evokes the use of the dark
arts. He is attempting to go beyond his earthly knowledge while disturbing the natural balance of
Gods laws and expectations. Faustus wants to elevate himself as an equal to God. In Faustus’s eyes
God is no longer the balance or medium in his life, the devil has become the greater power to
Faustus. ... Faustus starts using the devils name in place of where one would use Gods name.

12.2.6 Sloth
Sloth in conjunction with the other sins, works to muffle the spiritual senses so we first become
slow to respond to God and then drift completely into the slumber of complacency to the demonic
ways. This is the sixth sin in the death of Faustus ... Faustus has become numb to his own sub
consciousness; he no longer abides by what he does. Even in the scene where he signs the contract
with the devil, his blood congeals and he does not understand why. His own body is fighting the
deadly deed he was attempting to do.

12.2.7 Lechery
Also known as greed is the seventh sin. Faustus also displays greed in act one when he states he has
not accomplished greatness. Faustus wants to gain glory; he has expectations of others to get him
his glory. Faustus uses Mephastophilis to gain glory ... and he does not acknowledge that the demon
is responsible for all the tasks he performs, but states it is his gift of the dark arts.

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