Comment on the dramatic significance of the last scene of Doctor Faustus

Answer

Comment on the dramatic significance of the last scene of “Doctor Faustus.”

Or, when does the agony of Doctor Faustus reach its climax?

In the last scene of the play “Doctor Faustus” (1604) by Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593), something significant happens. It is like the grand finale of a big show. This scene is like the ending of a magic story where everything comes to an end. Let’s have a closer look at the dramatic significance of the final part of Doctor Faustus.

Mephistophilis Claims Faustus’s Soul: In the last scene, Mephistophilis, the devil’s servant, claims Faustus’ soul according to their agreement. The dramatic tension reaches its highest peak when Mephistophilis asserts, 

Thou traitor, Faustus, I arrest thy soul.

This moment highlights the unavoidable fate Faustus brought upon himself. The scene serves as a powerful reminder of the consequences of surrendering to evil. Again, it reflects the negative result of dealing with evil forces. It is a warning tale for the audience.

Faustus’ Bargain with Mephistophilis: In the final scene of “Doctor Faustus,” Faustus faces the consequences of his contract with the devil, Mephistophilis. The dramatic significance is vast as Faustus realizes the seriousness of his choices. Being hopeless, he begs for more time. He states:

Ah, rend not my heart for naming of my Christ;

Yet will I call on him—O spare me, Lucifer!

Faustus realizes the mistake of his decision to trade his soul for worldly pleasures. The scene sets the tone for Faustus’s upcoming doom. It emphasizes the unavoidable nature of his contract.

Faustus’s Despair and Regret: Faustus expresses deep remorse and regret for his choices. He recognizes the wrongs of his actions. His despair is natural as he cries out, 

O, I’ll leap up to my God! Who pulls me down?

The audience witnesses Faustus wrestling with the consequences of his choices. It portrays the universal theme of the human struggle between good and evil. Faustus’s realization adds an emotional layer to the play’s conclusion.

Faustus’s Final Moments: As Faustus faces his coming damnation, his final moments are filled with terror and despair. His regret and fear are brought powerfully when he says:

I’ll burn my books!—Ah, Mephistophilis!

The act of burning his books symbolizes his desperate wish to get relief from the contract. It’s a futile attempt. It highlights the hopelessness of his situation.

Moral Lesson: The last scene supports the moral lesson implanted in the play. It warns against the pursuit of power at the cost of one’s soul. Faustus’s tragic end highlights the consequences of uncontrolled ambition. The Chorus concludes Faustus’s story by remarking,

Faustus is gone: regard his hellish fall, 

Whose fiendful fortune may exhort the wise, 

Only to wonder at unlawful things.

This warning message supports the play’s moralistic purpose.

Catharsis¹ and Reflection: The final scene of “Doctor Faustus” encourages the audience to reflect on their own choices in life. Marlowe warns about the consequences of wrong choices. As Faustus faces damnation, there is a sense of catharsis. It is the purging of emotions and a lesson learned. 

In conclusion, the last scene of “Doctor Faustus” is a powerful realization of Faustus’s tragic journey. It shows the dramatic significance of choices, consequences, and the universal struggle between good and evil. Through Faustus’s final moments, the play delivers a timeless message about the dangers of uncontrolled ambition and the final nature of certain decisions.