Consider Doctor Faustus as a Religious Play
Doctor Faustus is a notable literary work by Christopher Marlowe. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, to various questions of Doctor Faustus.
Answer
Consider “Doctor Faustus” as a religious play.
Christopher Marlowe’s (1564-1593) “Doctor Faustus,” written in 1592 or 1593, is often regarded as a religious play. The play deals with fundamental themes of Christianity, such as sin, redemption, damnation, and the conflict between good and evil. The play highlights the consequences of defying God’s authority and the eternal importance of salvation. Through its depiction of Doctor Faustus’s choices and ultimate fate, the play serves as a moral and spiritual lesson for the audience.
The Concept of Sin: One of the central religious themes in the play is the concept of sin. Doctor Faustus, a brilliant scholar, is tempted by the allure of forbidden knowledge and power. His decision to practice necromancy and make a pact with Lucifer represents his rejection of God. This act of defiance is the ultimate sin in Christianity. As Faustus declares,
Divinity, adieu! These metaphysics of magicians
And necromantic books are heavenly.
This shows his preference for worldly power over spiritual salvation.
Redemption and Free Will: The theme of redemption is another key element that underscores the play’s religious nature. Throughout the story, Faustus is given numerous opportunities to repent and seek God’s forgiveness. The Good Angel and the old man act as voices of divine guidance. They encourage Faustus to turn back to God. The Good Angel repeatedly pleads,
Repent, yet God will pity thee.
Faustus’s struggle to repent reflects the Christian belief in free will—the idea that individuals can choose between good and evil. Despite these opportunities, Faustus’s arrogance and despair prevent him from seeking redemption.
Damnation and Judgment: The play vividly portrays the consequences of damnation. Faustus’s pact with Lucifer guarantees him worldly pleasures and power for 24 years, but it comes at the cost of his immortal soul. As the end of his life approaches, Faustus becomes increasingly aware of the horrors of hell. Faustus pleads,
Mountains and hills, come, come, and fall on me
And hide me from the heavy wrath of God!
His ultimate fate—being dragged to hell by devils—serves as a stark warning to the audience about the dangers of sin and the inevitability of divine judgment.
The Role of Good and Evil: The constant conflict between good and evil is central to the play’s religious message. This struggle is symbolized by the appearances of the Good Angel and the Evil Angel, who represent Faustus’s conscience and temptation, respectively. The Good Angel urges Faustus to repent and return to God, while the Evil Angel tempts him to continue down the path of damnation.
A Spiritual Lesson: “Doctor Faustus” functions as a moral and spiritual lesson for its audience. It reinforces the idea that worldly pursuits and ambitions are meaningless compared to the eternal value of salvation. Faustus’s tragic downfall demonstrates the dangers of pride, ambition, and the rejection of God’s grace. The play’s conclusion—with Faustus condemned to hell—serves as a cautionary tale. The chorus summarizes,
Cut is the branch that might have grown full straight,
And burned is Apollo’s laurel bough.
This reinforces the idea that Faustus’s great potential was wasted due to his rejection of divine grace.
In conclusion, “Doctor Faustus” is a powerful religious play because it explores core Christian themes such as sin, redemption, damnation, and the struggle between good and evil. Through Faustus’s journey, Marlowe illustrates the consequences of defying divine authority and emphasizes the eternal significance of spiritual salvation.