What are the Seven Deadly Sins in “Doctor Faustus”?

Answer

What is the significance of the Seven Deadly Sins in “Doctor Faustus”? [NU. 2021] 

Or, What are the seven deadly sins in “Doctor Faustus”? [NU. 2015]

In “Doctor Faustus” by Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593), Lucifer presents a show of the Seven Deadly Sins to entertain and distract Faustus. These sins are: Pride, Covetousness (Greed), Wrath, Envy, Gluttony, Sloth, and Lechery (Lust). These sins are human vices that lead people away from God. Faustus enjoys the show and forgets to repent. We will discuss the significance of the Seven Deadly Sins below.

Distraction: When Faustus starts thinking about God and heaven, Lucifer becomes angry. To stop him from repenting, Lucifer distracts Faustus by showing him the Seven Deadly Sins. Each sin appears as a character and talks to Faustus. For example, Covetousness (Greed) says: if the house and people in it were turned to gold. Faustus enjoys the show very much. As Faustus says,

“O, this feeds my soul!”

This shows that Faustus is interested in pleasure and fun, not in saving his soul. Lucifer shows the sins to make Faustus forget about God.

Symbols of Faustus’s Sins: The Seven Deadly Sins are symbols of Faustus’s sins. Each sin represents a flaw in Faustus himself. For example, Faustus is very proud of his knowledge. He is greedy for more power, knowledge, and wealth. Faustus is also lustful and desires women. He asks Mephistophilis to bring Helen of Troy for his pleasure. He says:

“Sweet Helen, make me immortal with a kiss:”

Faustus does not realise that these sins are his own sins.

Warning to the Audience: The Seven Deadly Sins are not only for Faustus. They are also a warning to the audience. This scene teaches that sin may look fun, but it leads to hell.

In short, the Seven Deadly Sins are significant in this play. Faustus’s delight in the sins proves his soul belongs to hell. They also teach the audience that sin is dangerous and can destroy