Justify Doctor Faustus as an embodiment of the Renaissance spirit

Answer

Justify Doctor Faustus as an embodiment of the Renaissance spirit. 

Or, What are the Renaissance elements you find in Doctor Faustus?

The Renaissance (1500-1660)  means “rebirth” in French. It is a period of cultural, artistic, political, and intellectual transformation from the 14th to the 17th century. The Renaissance originated in Italy in the 14th century and gradually spread across Europe. The Renaissance influences various aspects of society. It celebrates a transition from the medieval period to the early modern era.

Christopher Marlowe (1564-93) is an English playwright and poet of the late 16th century. His iconic play “Doctor Faustus” (1604) tells the story of a brilliant but ambitious scholar. He is often associated with the spirit of the Renaissance. Some of the Renaissance qualities found in Marlowe’s works, and all these are bellowed: 

Humanism: In accordance with the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, 

Humanism is a system of thought that considers that solving human problems with the help of reason is more important than religious beliefs.

Humanism is a key aspect of the Renaissance. It emphasizes the value of human beings. Faustus’s character in “Doctor Faustus”  reflects humanist ideals. It reflects humanistic themes and explores human desires, ambitions, and the pursuit of knowledge. Again, we find The Good Angel making a humanistic remark on Faustus’s fault, who sells his soul to Lucifer. The Good Angel says,

Faustus, repent, yet God will pity thee,

Here, Good Angel says that God will be merciful if Faustus repents for his sin.

Classical Influence: The Renaissance’s revival of classical literature and ideas is evident in Marlowe’s works. His use of classical sources and themes is seen in “Dido, Queen of Carthage”, “Tamburlaine,” and Doctor Faustus. These plays reflect the Renaissance fascination with ancient Greek and Roman culture. For example, in Doctor Faustus, Marlowe mentions Helen. Helen is the most beautiful woman in the world, in accordance with Classical literature. So Faustus wants to have her as his last wish to Lucifer. When he sees Helen, he becomes astonished, looking at the surprising beauty of Helen. He wishes to have a kiss from Helen. He says,

Sweet Helen, make me immortal with a kiss.

Individualism: Renaissance thinkers celebrated the individual and their capacity for achievement. Marlowe’s protagonists, like Doctor Faustus, often embody individualism. He crosses the boundaries of human experience. He challenges authority and pursues personal desires. Faustus desires to explore the unknown and achieve greatness beyond human limitations.  It is reflected in Faustus’s speech,

A sound magician is a mighty God.

It highlights his aspiration to attain God-like power through his mastery of magic/necromancy. 

Intellectual Curiosity: The Renaissance was characterized by an increased curiosity about the world. It reflects a desire for knowledge. Marlowe’s characters, particularly Doctor Faustus, embody this intellectual curiosity. He seeks knowledge beyond conventional limits. He explores the consequences of such purposes. For example, he reveals his intellectual curiosity by  seeing Helen,

Was this the face that launch’d a thousand ships. 

And burnt the topless towers of Ilium?

Exploration of Human Nature and Human Psychology: Renaissance literature often explored the complexities of human nature and psychology. Marlowe’s characters are often psychologically complex.  His plays explore the individual’s motivations and internal struggles. It reflects a Renaissance interest in the human psyche. The Renaissance was a time of religious turmoil. People didn’t have faith in religion. So Doctor Faustus sells his soul to Lucifer by signing a bond with his own blood. 

Quest for Knowledge and Power: The Renaissance was a time of great curiosity and a thirst for learning. Doctor Faustus wants power like God. So, he practices the art of necromancy. He sells his soul to Lucifer to be powerful with the help of magic. Doctor Faustus embodies this quest as he seeks knowledge beyond traditional confinement. He turns to magic as a means to gain power and understanding. He rejects divinity and praises magic in such a way,

Divinity, adieu!

These metaphysics of magicians,

And necromantic books are heavenly;

In “Doctor Faustus,” Christopher Marlowe brilliantly captures the spirit of the Renaissance. Doctor Faustus is a Renaissance man. He makes the play a powerful reflection of the era’s culture. Through his journey, Faustus reveals both the negative and positive aspects of the Renaissance in pursuit of knowledge and power.