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"