Comment on the inner conflict experienced by Doctor Faustus

Answer

Comment on the inner conflict experienced by Doctor Faustus.

One of the central elements of Christopher Marlowe’s (1564-1593) “Doctor Faustus” is the intense inner conflict experienced by the protagonist, Doctor Faustus. This internal struggle arises from his choices between good and evil, salvation and damnation, and his ultimate failure to repent. Faustus’s inner conflict highlights his human vulnerability and makes him a deeply relatable and tragic character.

Conflict Between Ambition and Conscience: From the beginning, Faustus is torn between his unquenchable ambition and his moral conscience. His desire for limitless power and knowledge leads him to necromancy and a pact with Lucifer. Faustus compares himself to God:

A sound magician is a mighty god.

However, his conscience frequently warns him of the consequences of his actions. The Good Angel, representing his moral side, urges him to repent.

Repent, yet God will pity thee.

In contrast, the Evil Angel tempts him with promises of power and worldly pleasures. These opposing voices reflect Faustus’s inner conflict.

Fear of Damnation: Faustus’s fear of eternal damnation intensifies his inner turmoil. Even after signing the pact with Lucifer, he experiences moments of doubt and regret. In Act 2, Scene 3, he admits,

Scarce can I name salvation, faith, or heaven,

But fearful echoes thunder in mine ears: ‘Faustus, thou art damned!’

This fear shows his awareness of the spiritual consequences of his actions. However, his pride and despair prevent him from seeking God’s forgiveness. Instead of turning to repentance, he tries to suppress his fear by indulging in worldly pleasures and distractions.

Struggle with Repentance: Throughout the play, Faustus struggles with the idea of repentance. The Good Angel and the old man repeatedly encourage him to seek God’s mercy. They assure him that it is not too late to repent. The Good Angel states,

Repent, and they shall never raze thy skin.

However, Faustus’s despair and belief that he is beyond redemption keep him from taking action. He exclaims, “My heart’s so hardened I cannot repent.” This struggle reflects the Christian concept of free will. Here, Faustus consistently chooses the path of damnation despite being aware of the possibility of salvation.

Moments of Desperation: As the end of his life approaches, Faustus’s inner conflict reaches its peak. He becomes increasingly desperate and fearful of his fate. In Act 5, Scene 2, he cries out,

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

This moment of despair reveals his longing for redemption and escape from his doom. However, his earlier choices have sealed his fate, and he is ultimately unable to change the course of his destiny.

Human Nature: Faustus’s inner conflict serves as a tragic reflection of human nature. His struggle between ambition and morality, hope and despair, and repentance and damnation resonates deeply with audiences. It shows us the dangers of pride, unchecked ambition, and the rejection of divine grace. Faustus’s ultimate failure to resolve this conflict makes his downfall all the more poignant. His downfall serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of moral choices.

In conclusion, the inner conflict experienced by Doctor Faustus is a central theme of the play. Faustus’s tragic journey is a powerful reminder of the eternal struggle between good and evil within the human soul.