Chorus-
"Faustus returned home" - first signs that Faustus is reaching the plays conclusion, definitively his death and predestined damnation. He companion remain marvelled when he answers questions of astrology with "learned skill", Faustus now "feasted among the noblemen". Again, the chorus shows how time has passed, but still, Faustus has not reached the feats he first promised to do so, he remains answering questions from his peers with 'learned skill'; in this way he hasn't changed from the Doctor within the first act, who was "exceeding all" especially within "freshman superstitions". Although he dines with 'noblemen', he is still "just a man", and so hasn't achieved anything, especially not "a mighty god".
Sc. 1
"My gracious sovereign" Faustus still abides to the social class system, even though "a sound magician is a mighty God", he feels that he must assert the Emperor above him, although he has the power to overthrow him. "I must confess myself far inferior, I am content to do whatsoever your Majesty shall command me"
The Emperor asks Faustus to conjure up Alexander the great, however, Fasuts says that he cannot conjure "the true substantial bodies... it is not In my ability" which directly contradicts the characters wishes to being dead, raise them to life again". Again. shows limit of Faustus's powers. Instead, he presents spirits which "resemble" the Emperor's ancestors. Faustus curses the Knight which calls him out on his small conjuring powers, gives him 'horns on his head', again, these actions are not the actions of a 'mighty god'.
After this Faustus becomes laconic, he begins using monosyllabic words when outlining the passage of time "that time doth run with calm and silent foot", Faustus realises his time has become wasted/nearly over.
Horse courier- fails to recognise Fasuts "seeking one Master Faustian, see where he is... "
Once again Faustus uses cheap conjuring tricks to scare the horse courier, shows again how he has failed to become the respected magician which he desired to become.
"What art thou Faustus but a man condemned to die? Thy fatal time doth draw to final end"
"Christ did call the thief upon the cross!" Faustus still believes that he will be saved. Faustus now seems old and lethargic, he sleeps instead of seeing the Courier. "he has not slept this eight nights" paranoia.
Sc.2 Faustus once again wises to please the upper classes, the Duke and Duchess. Faustus must "circle the world" to achieve the set of grapes, shows how he cannot actually conjure up anything from nothing.
Monday, 12 May 2014
Faustus Act 3
Chorus
This time performed by Wagner, Faustus has achieved some great feats, to 'scale Olympus' top, being seated in a chariot burning bright' in ascending to the peak of Olympus we could infer that, in some way, Faustus has become godlike, or at least on par with gods. However, we could also argue that Faustus hasn't really achieved anything at all, compared to his original statement of becoming "Emperor of all the words", in the time since he gave his soul all he has done is sightsee, he has used his powers not to "fill the schools with silk" but for self conscious selfish needs.
Sc.1
Faustus lists the 'great feats' he has accomplished, but they seem trivial and self centered "From Paris next, coasting the realm of France, we saw the Maine fall into the rhine"
- scene in which Faustus visits the Pope. Many critics has cited that, due to the Elizabethan split from Catholicism in the era Marlowe was publishing the original play, the Pope figure in this sense is scene as an antichrist figure rather than a holy figure. This is why Marlowe's character appears as a parody, he becomes a satirical representation of the Pope figure, utilizing the audience's hatred for his own success. However, critics have also cited the problem with this; being a morality play, the audience are intended either not to like Faustus, or to see the error in his ways and be persuaded not to make the same mistake as the Character. However, Faustus acts as the Pope's tormentor, in this way we take Faustus's side and will him to torment the character. Yet, this confuses the audience's perception of the character, are we supposed to condemn Faustus or applaud him?
Pope = illustration of corrupt catholic belief. Self indulgence, 'buying' place into heaven "here is a dainty dish was sent from the Bishop of Milan"
Faustus mimics catholic prayer "How? bell, book, and candle, candle, book and bell"
Sc.2
Robin and Rafe - comic scene.
Both have stolen a goblet from the vintner, they play cheap tricks on his to confuse him. Again, this parallels the previous act. Just as Faustus uses cheap magic tricks to make a fool of the Pope, these pair use cheap magic to belittle the Vintner.
They conjure an angered Mephistopheles, who makes them both into animals as punishment. Ironically, the pair finds joy in their punishment, claiming "their heads will never be out of the porridge pot"
This time performed by Wagner, Faustus has achieved some great feats, to 'scale Olympus' top, being seated in a chariot burning bright' in ascending to the peak of Olympus we could infer that, in some way, Faustus has become godlike, or at least on par with gods. However, we could also argue that Faustus hasn't really achieved anything at all, compared to his original statement of becoming "Emperor of all the words", in the time since he gave his soul all he has done is sightsee, he has used his powers not to "fill the schools with silk" but for self conscious selfish needs.
Sc.1
Faustus lists the 'great feats' he has accomplished, but they seem trivial and self centered "From Paris next, coasting the realm of France, we saw the Maine fall into the rhine"
- scene in which Faustus visits the Pope. Many critics has cited that, due to the Elizabethan split from Catholicism in the era Marlowe was publishing the original play, the Pope figure in this sense is scene as an antichrist figure rather than a holy figure. This is why Marlowe's character appears as a parody, he becomes a satirical representation of the Pope figure, utilizing the audience's hatred for his own success. However, critics have also cited the problem with this; being a morality play, the audience are intended either not to like Faustus, or to see the error in his ways and be persuaded not to make the same mistake as the Character. However, Faustus acts as the Pope's tormentor, in this way we take Faustus's side and will him to torment the character. Yet, this confuses the audience's perception of the character, are we supposed to condemn Faustus or applaud him?
Pope = illustration of corrupt catholic belief. Self indulgence, 'buying' place into heaven "here is a dainty dish was sent from the Bishop of Milan"
Faustus mimics catholic prayer "How? bell, book, and candle, candle, book and bell"
Sc.2
Robin and Rafe - comic scene.
Both have stolen a goblet from the vintner, they play cheap tricks on his to confuse him. Again, this parallels the previous act. Just as Faustus uses cheap magic tricks to make a fool of the Pope, these pair use cheap magic to belittle the Vintner.
They conjure an angered Mephistopheles, who makes them both into animals as punishment. Ironically, the pair finds joy in their punishment, claiming "their heads will never be out of the porridge pot"
Friday, 9 May 2014
Faustus Act 2
Sc1.
Begins with Faustus doubting himself "abjure this magic turn to God again! To God? He loves thee not."
Good and Bad Angels return, offer chance of redemption (represent free will), ignores words of the Good Angel, accepts persuasion of the Bad Angel.
"What God can Hurt thee Faustus, thou art safe" finishes cycle content within his decision, Mephistopheles and the promise of 'wealth' has persuaded him.
"What good will my soul do thy lord?
Enlarge his Kingdom. "it is comfort for the wretched to have companions in misery".
Giving of blood - Gothic imagery. Parallels giving of blood within religious ceremony, drinking the blood Christ. Christ gave his blood for humanity, while Faustus gives his blood for selfishness, to help himself only.
"My blood congeals, and I can write no more" Another chance of redemption given to Faustus, his blood congealing is a sign of God's presence. - Doubt 'is it unwilling ii should write this bill'. Mephistopheles offers persuasion. "Homo Fuge"- another chance of redemption.
Meph returns with riches to "delight thy mind" of Faustus, Faustus is satisfied. (weak willed).
sings-
"Hell hath no limits" "come, I think Hell's a fable"... Faustus wants a wife, cannot be given a wife, as these are a thing of beauty and do not belong to Hell; instead he is granted a she-devil dressed in a dress with fireworks. Audience begins to realise the things that Faustus desires are unobtainable, what he is granted and sacrificed has come at a loss. Faustus is granted books, as the highest form of pleasure for him comes in the form of knowledge. BUT Faustus still desires knowledge within mortality, he gains no real knowledge of Heaven of Hell or mortality, only of the planets and the nature of the world, in this way he fails to make full potential of his powers. He gains knowledge already available for a man, especially Faustus, who is a Doctors, and "excels all others".
Sc 2. Robin and Rafe, another comic scene. Parallels Faustus, they acquire his conjuring books and conjure cheap tricks. Again shows how they have achieved the same as Faustus for nothing.
Sc.3 opens with Faustus doubting once again. "thou hast deprived me of those joys."
"my heart's so hardened I cannot repent" "Faustus thou art damned!"
Talk of physics and the planets between Meph and Faustus (this would be cutting edge philosophy for the o.audience. Yet Faustus dismisses it as trivial "these are slender trifles"/"freshman superstitions" Meph refuses to tell Faustus who made the world, this contradicts Faustus's demand of he to be his servant in the last act, hints that Faustus is not in charge. "think of hell for thou art damned".
Attempts to repents "ah Christ my saviour". Becomes persuaded by Lucifer's power, parade of the seven deadly sins. glamourizes sin, shows the positive/'best' aspects of them.
-------
"O, this feeds my soul... how happy were I then". cONTENT, persuaded.
------------------
Begins with Faustus doubting himself "abjure this magic turn to God again! To God? He loves thee not."
Good and Bad Angels return, offer chance of redemption (represent free will), ignores words of the Good Angel, accepts persuasion of the Bad Angel.
"What God can Hurt thee Faustus, thou art safe" finishes cycle content within his decision, Mephistopheles and the promise of 'wealth' has persuaded him.
"What good will my soul do thy lord?
Enlarge his Kingdom. "it is comfort for the wretched to have companions in misery".
Giving of blood - Gothic imagery. Parallels giving of blood within religious ceremony, drinking the blood Christ. Christ gave his blood for humanity, while Faustus gives his blood for selfishness, to help himself only.
"My blood congeals, and I can write no more" Another chance of redemption given to Faustus, his blood congealing is a sign of God's presence. - Doubt 'is it unwilling ii should write this bill'. Mephistopheles offers persuasion. "Homo Fuge"- another chance of redemption.
Meph returns with riches to "delight thy mind" of Faustus, Faustus is satisfied. (weak willed).
sings-
"Hell hath no limits" "come, I think Hell's a fable"... Faustus wants a wife, cannot be given a wife, as these are a thing of beauty and do not belong to Hell; instead he is granted a she-devil dressed in a dress with fireworks. Audience begins to realise the things that Faustus desires are unobtainable, what he is granted and sacrificed has come at a loss. Faustus is granted books, as the highest form of pleasure for him comes in the form of knowledge. BUT Faustus still desires knowledge within mortality, he gains no real knowledge of Heaven of Hell or mortality, only of the planets and the nature of the world, in this way he fails to make full potential of his powers. He gains knowledge already available for a man, especially Faustus, who is a Doctors, and "excels all others".
Sc 2. Robin and Rafe, another comic scene. Parallels Faustus, they acquire his conjuring books and conjure cheap tricks. Again shows how they have achieved the same as Faustus for nothing.
Sc.3 opens with Faustus doubting once again. "thou hast deprived me of those joys."
"my heart's so hardened I cannot repent" "Faustus thou art damned!"
Talk of physics and the planets between Meph and Faustus (this would be cutting edge philosophy for the o.audience. Yet Faustus dismisses it as trivial "these are slender trifles"/"freshman superstitions" Meph refuses to tell Faustus who made the world, this contradicts Faustus's demand of he to be his servant in the last act, hints that Faustus is not in charge. "think of hell for thou art damned".
Attempts to repents "ah Christ my saviour". Becomes persuaded by Lucifer's power, parade of the seven deadly sins. glamourizes sin, shows the positive/'best' aspects of them.
-------
"O, this feeds my soul... how happy were I then". cONTENT, persuaded.
------------------
Thursday, 8 May 2014
Faustus analysis. Act 1
Prologue-
Chorus begins the play, in the tradition of the Renaissance 'morality play', it delivers first what the play is not about "not marching now in the fields of Trasimene", this is not about war... nor love "nor sporting in the dalliance of love". This play is about "faustus's fortunes, good or bad."
Begins of Faustus's history, born "base of stock"- meaning he was born into the lower classes, so was not expected to achieve much. Faustus later uses this as leverage in selling his soul, viewing that in someway he had an unfair start. He is "graced of Doctor's name" as he excels in "heavenly matters of theology", the study of religion. However, he became 'swollen with self-conceit', his intellectual pride endangered by arrogance.
Linked to Icarus "His waxen wings did mount above his reach", links to Gothic convention of 'Hubris'. Alike to Icarus, Faustus is doomed to 'fall from grace' due to his ambition, his wish to exceed "the mind of man", and reach immortality. Pre destines the play's conclusion. Faustus fell to "devilish exercise", "nothing so sweet as magic is to him" "which he prefers before his chiefest bliss"
Sc 1.
Faustus speaks in complicated soliloquy, uses iambic pentameter, creates a flowing poetic speech pattern (reflects on character's intelligence). Use of Latin- "been disserere set finis logices" again links to his intellect, 'Doctor' status/ links to Catholicism. Faustus is having some sort of existential crisis, reflecting on his past and how he is yet to gather "heaps of gold", he feels he has achieved nothing, "yet art thou Faustus, and a man" - feels limited within mortality. States that to "make man live eternally... this profession were to be esteemed". "the universal body of the church.. too servile and illiberal for me" "When all is done, divinity is best" - divinity meaning 'supernatural' religious powers.
-"the reward of sin is death. that's hard" mock religious speaking.
- Predestination, "if we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves... we must sin... and so consequently die". Rejects conventional view of 'paying off sins' from Catholics, and be able to 'pardoned' by God. Faustus, reading from the Bible, manipulates religious speaking. He focuses instead on the attempt of redemption, but instead on the act of being dammed. Faustus suggests that rather than seeking redemption, we should all sin. As out death is inevitable "the reward of sin is death".
"che sera, sera" What will be, shall be. - predestined.
"these necromantic books are heavenly" - blasphemous. "these that Faustus most desires".
Faustus see's divinity as "far exceeding the mind of man" and thus superior to anything he cans study within mortality. "A song magician is a mighty God".
This is the first time the Good and Bad angels enter the text, Faustus is on the verge of decision and seeks his friends as persuasion, but he fails to recognise the warnings given to him from the good angel "lay that damned book aside" "read the scriptures, that is blasphemy". Faustus actively ignores the persuasion of the Good Angel, only responding to the Bad Angel's persuasion. In this way Faustus ignores the opportunity for redemption.
"fill the public schools with silk" - values knowledge of religious theory.
"tis magic, magic that hath ravished me".
Ends scene with a promise to "conjure, though i die therefore", reinstates the notion of predestination. Faustus has been persuaded by Valdes and Cornelius.
Act 1 Sc 2.
Scholars vs Wagner, comic scene. Wagner is rude to them.
Act 1 sc 3.
(staged midnight, holding a necromantic book, conjuring GOTHIC)
Faustus draws 'Jehovah's name, forward and backward anagrammatised' - blasphemous.
Breaks into Latin speech for conjuring, connects with Catholic faith, ultimately Gothic.
Mephistopheles enters, Faustus states that he is "too ugly to attend on me", shows the tedious, hypocritical actions within Faustus's conducts. He wishes to embrace sin, the necromantic, but is unable face the ugliness of it, he doesn't realise that 'beauty' is a virtue blessed by God, so anything related to Lucifer will be ugly. Mephistopheles returns dressed as a monk, again this imagery seems to criticise the religious identity, suggests that 'the holy figure' is corrupted.
Faustus attempts to assert his power over Mephistopheles, stating that he is to 'wait upon me while i live' BUT Mephistopheles makes it clear that he serves Lucifer only. Faustus ignores this.
"i am a servant to great Lucifer, no more than he commands can we perform"
Faustus fell for "aspiring pride and insolence" parallels Faustus. Again, Hubristic character.
Mephistopheles is an "unhappy spirit that fell with Lucifer"
Meph's definition of Hell. - "Why this is Hell, nor am i out of it. Thou think that i, who saw the face of God, tasted the enternal joys of heaven, are not tormented... for being deprived everlasting bliss?"
Faustus finishes the seen in another soliloquy, declaring the triumphs he will surely accomplish, "i'll be great emperor of the world" including immortal feats "make a bridge through moving air".
Sc 4.
Comic scene between Robin and Wagner, uses base comedy, crude, with references to 'ovid flea', and uses cheap slapstick 'Belliol and Belcher'.
Scene also parallels the deal Faustus will make with Lucifer for his soul, Wagner manages to tempt Robin to tell his soul for a simply "shoulder of mutton". Relates Faustus's deal with that of 'the everyman' and illustrates how the feat, which Faustus views as a great feat, is ultimately achievable for everyone. Even Robin, the clown.
-------------------------------
Act commentary, Chorus preempts the whole of the play, in this way the conclusion will not exactly be 'shocking' but instead satisfactory. Sets up his Hubristic nature, (Ica Quote), installs negative view of Faustus, chorus acts as Elizebethan viewpoint, Faustus represents the Renaissance viewpoint.
-immediately as Meph is introduced, Faustus's power is undermined. M states that Faustus did not conjure him, "he came on his own accord... to claim his soul". Power relationship, although Faustus believes he is in charge, he doesn't understand that he acts as a slave to Lucifer, as Mephistophles only acts "as he commands" [devil].
First act briefly introduces the cyclical nature of the play, Faustus considers (selling his soul) (doubt) Good angel offers redemption, becomes persuaded by fellows... seeks rewards.
Chorus begins the play, in the tradition of the Renaissance 'morality play', it delivers first what the play is not about "not marching now in the fields of Trasimene", this is not about war... nor love "nor sporting in the dalliance of love". This play is about "faustus's fortunes, good or bad."
Begins of Faustus's history, born "base of stock"- meaning he was born into the lower classes, so was not expected to achieve much. Faustus later uses this as leverage in selling his soul, viewing that in someway he had an unfair start. He is "graced of Doctor's name" as he excels in "heavenly matters of theology", the study of religion. However, he became 'swollen with self-conceit', his intellectual pride endangered by arrogance.
Linked to Icarus "His waxen wings did mount above his reach", links to Gothic convention of 'Hubris'. Alike to Icarus, Faustus is doomed to 'fall from grace' due to his ambition, his wish to exceed "the mind of man", and reach immortality. Pre destines the play's conclusion. Faustus fell to "devilish exercise", "nothing so sweet as magic is to him" "which he prefers before his chiefest bliss"
Sc 1.
Faustus speaks in complicated soliloquy, uses iambic pentameter, creates a flowing poetic speech pattern (reflects on character's intelligence). Use of Latin- "been disserere set finis logices" again links to his intellect, 'Doctor' status/ links to Catholicism. Faustus is having some sort of existential crisis, reflecting on his past and how he is yet to gather "heaps of gold", he feels he has achieved nothing, "yet art thou Faustus, and a man" - feels limited within mortality. States that to "make man live eternally... this profession were to be esteemed". "the universal body of the church.. too servile and illiberal for me" "When all is done, divinity is best" - divinity meaning 'supernatural' religious powers.
-"the reward of sin is death. that's hard" mock religious speaking.
- Predestination, "if we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves... we must sin... and so consequently die". Rejects conventional view of 'paying off sins' from Catholics, and be able to 'pardoned' by God. Faustus, reading from the Bible, manipulates religious speaking. He focuses instead on the attempt of redemption, but instead on the act of being dammed. Faustus suggests that rather than seeking redemption, we should all sin. As out death is inevitable "the reward of sin is death".
"che sera, sera" What will be, shall be. - predestined.
"these necromantic books are heavenly" - blasphemous. "these that Faustus most desires".
Faustus see's divinity as "far exceeding the mind of man" and thus superior to anything he cans study within mortality. "A song magician is a mighty God".
This is the first time the Good and Bad angels enter the text, Faustus is on the verge of decision and seeks his friends as persuasion, but he fails to recognise the warnings given to him from the good angel "lay that damned book aside" "read the scriptures, that is blasphemy". Faustus actively ignores the persuasion of the Good Angel, only responding to the Bad Angel's persuasion. In this way Faustus ignores the opportunity for redemption.
"fill the public schools with silk" - values knowledge of religious theory.
"tis magic, magic that hath ravished me".
Ends scene with a promise to "conjure, though i die therefore", reinstates the notion of predestination. Faustus has been persuaded by Valdes and Cornelius.
Act 1 Sc 2.
Scholars vs Wagner, comic scene. Wagner is rude to them.
Act 1 sc 3.
(staged midnight, holding a necromantic book, conjuring GOTHIC)
Faustus draws 'Jehovah's name, forward and backward anagrammatised' - blasphemous.
Breaks into Latin speech for conjuring, connects with Catholic faith, ultimately Gothic.
Mephistopheles enters, Faustus states that he is "too ugly to attend on me", shows the tedious, hypocritical actions within Faustus's conducts. He wishes to embrace sin, the necromantic, but is unable face the ugliness of it, he doesn't realise that 'beauty' is a virtue blessed by God, so anything related to Lucifer will be ugly. Mephistopheles returns dressed as a monk, again this imagery seems to criticise the religious identity, suggests that 'the holy figure' is corrupted.
Faustus attempts to assert his power over Mephistopheles, stating that he is to 'wait upon me while i live' BUT Mephistopheles makes it clear that he serves Lucifer only. Faustus ignores this.
"i am a servant to great Lucifer, no more than he commands can we perform"
Faustus fell for "aspiring pride and insolence" parallels Faustus. Again, Hubristic character.
Mephistopheles is an "unhappy spirit that fell with Lucifer"
Meph's definition of Hell. - "Why this is Hell, nor am i out of it. Thou think that i, who saw the face of God, tasted the enternal joys of heaven, are not tormented... for being deprived everlasting bliss?"
Faustus finishes the seen in another soliloquy, declaring the triumphs he will surely accomplish, "i'll be great emperor of the world" including immortal feats "make a bridge through moving air".
Sc 4.
Comic scene between Robin and Wagner, uses base comedy, crude, with references to 'ovid flea', and uses cheap slapstick 'Belliol and Belcher'.
Scene also parallels the deal Faustus will make with Lucifer for his soul, Wagner manages to tempt Robin to tell his soul for a simply "shoulder of mutton". Relates Faustus's deal with that of 'the everyman' and illustrates how the feat, which Faustus views as a great feat, is ultimately achievable for everyone. Even Robin, the clown.
-------------------------------
Act commentary, Chorus preempts the whole of the play, in this way the conclusion will not exactly be 'shocking' but instead satisfactory. Sets up his Hubristic nature, (Ica Quote), installs negative view of Faustus, chorus acts as Elizebethan viewpoint, Faustus represents the Renaissance viewpoint.
-immediately as Meph is introduced, Faustus's power is undermined. M states that Faustus did not conjure him, "he came on his own accord... to claim his soul". Power relationship, although Faustus believes he is in charge, he doesn't understand that he acts as a slave to Lucifer, as Mephistophles only acts "as he commands" [devil].
First act briefly introduces the cyclical nature of the play, Faustus considers (selling his soul) (doubt) Good angel offers redemption, becomes persuaded by fellows... seeks rewards.
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