Act 4

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.