By Christopher Marlowe

Faustus was born in a poor family in Rhodes . He was educated at Wittenberg with the help of some relatives . There he became doctor of divinity and renowned as a great scholar . He was proud of his knowledge and like Icarus tried to over reach himself .Therefore , he conspired with the devil and later criticised .













In the beginning of the drama , we can find that Faustus feeling frustrated with his knowledge . The study of medicine fails to conquer death , Lawyers, he feels exploit others for petty amount and are not very rich . Theology he feels is not of much use .All the people are sinners and they are bound to die . Nothing can save them from death . So he turns to black magic which he feels can make him a semi-god . He can then become all powerful, secure all knowledge and enjoy all pleasures of the world. Therefore ,he orders his servant Wagner to summon Valdes and Carnelius from whom he could learn the art of magic.









The good Angel and evil Angel , which are only two aspects of Faustus himself , try to win him over onto their respective sides : This inner conflict is very weak as Faustus is determined to side with the evil Angel and pursue black magic with the help of Valdes and Cornelius . Other scholars learn from Wagner about the Faustus's pursuit of magic and lament the fate of a scholar like Faustus .





He summons Mephistophilis and then orders him to appear as a Franciscan friar . The meek obedience by Mephistophilis with his magic fills Faustus with pride .Mephistophilis tells him that the power of magic is limited and that the pleasures of heaven are greater than any other pleasure. He claims that he has not come at Faustus's command but on his own . Faustus shows keen interest in the Lucifer (devil) . He also wants to about the hell and heaven . Mephistophilis tells him that heaven provides the greatest bliss . Absence of heaven is hell . Thus, Mephistophilis tries to dissuade Faustus , but he pays no heed to this warning . He offeres to surrender his soul to Lucifer in return for twenty four years of free access to knowledge, sensual pleasurees and Mephistophilis at his command .

















He debates within himself whether he should side with God or Devil . The mental conflict is symbolised by good Angel and Evil Angel . Each tries to win him over to his side . Faustus rejects the good and accepts the the evil . He is determined to pursue and practise the art of black magic .Mephistophilis returns and informs that Lucifer has accepted his offers . He tells that Faustus will have to write the contract in his own blood . While Faustus is writing the contract, his blood congeals (becomes solid) . Mephistophilis brings fire to melt it into liquid . The words , "fly man " appears in Latin on Faustus's arm . Fautus does not care for this warning. He is happy to know from Mephistophilis that hell has no limits . He believes that there is no life after death and that he will not suffer because of the contract .









He asks Mephistophilis to satisfy his lust for knowledge. The good Angel and bad Angel once again try to persuade him . Faustus realises that his state now beyond repentance. His inner conflict becomes intense and he appeeals to Christ to save him . At once angry Lucifer appears before him and rebukes him for remembering God . He warns Faustus never to seek God's help . He presents the show of 'Seven Deadly Sins ' for Faustus's entertainment.









Faustus travels throughout the universe including the planets in a dragon driven chariot . In Rome, Faustus commands Mephistophilis to make him invisible . He boxes Pope's ears , snatches his food and wine and throws fireworks at him and his cardinals .Back home , the scholars ask him about various things . His fame spreads far and wide . The emperor invites him to the palace and requested him to call the spirit of Alexander and his beloved .A knight ridicules the very idea . Faustus fulfills the emperor's desire and then plants horns on the Knight's head .













When twenty four years are about to be over , Faustus returns to Wittenberg . His servant Wagner feels that his master is about to die as Faustus gives all his property to him . As death approaches near , the old man asks him to repent before his death . Faustus agrees to repent but is frightened at the prospect of physical torture . He , therefore, wishes to drown his mental conflict in sensuous pleasures . He asks Mephistophilis to bring "Helen of Troy". He seems to forget his worries at the sight of Halen . But at last the day of his death arrives . He tells the scholar about his foolish contract with devil . He utters a poignant cry to be saved but in vain . At last he is carried away by the evil spirits to the hell for eternal deterioration .

















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