The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe (Vintage 1966 Edition)

“The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus” is a play written by Christopher Marlowe, an English playwright and poet, believed to have been first performed around 1588. It tells the story of a scholar named Doctor Faustus who becomes dissatisfied with his knowledge and makes a pact with the devil in exchange for unlimited knowledge and worldly pleasures.

The play is structured into five acts and is written in verse. It is considered one of the most famous works of Elizabethan drama and is often studied and performed in both academic and theatrical settings.

The plot revolves around Doctor Faustus, a highly intelligent scholar who is proficient in various fields such as law, medicine, and theology. Despite his immense knowledge, he feels unfulfilled and desires to gain supernatural power and wisdom beyond human limits. In his quest for ultimate knowledge, Faustus turns to the dark arts and decides to summon a devil named Mephistopheles.

Faustus strikes a deal with Mephistopheles and agrees to sell his soul to Lucifer, the devil’s master, in exchange for twenty-four years of unlimited power and knowledge. During this period, he has Mephistopheles as his servant and gains the ability to perform miraculous feats, such as traveling anywhere he desires and acquiring vast riches.

However, as the years pass, Faustus becomes increasingly tormented by the impending expiration of his pact. He experiences internal conflicts, struggling with the morality of his actions and contemplating repentance. Despite the warnings and pleas of his well-meaning friends and scholars, Faustus continues to indulge in sinful pleasures and refuses to seek redemption.

Throughout the play, there are several episodes that showcase Faustus’s misuse of his newfound powers. He engages in pranks, tricks the Pope, and even visits Helen of Troy, one of the most beautiful women in history. These experiences, however, fail to bring him lasting happiness or contentment.

As the final hours of his pact draw near, Faustus is plagued by intense fear and regret. He realizes that his soul is damned and that he has wasted his opportunity for salvation. In the closing moments of the play, he is dragged down to Hell by demons, paying the ultimate price for his ambition and arrogance.

“The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus” explores themes such as the pursuit of knowledge, the dangers of excessive ambition, the conflict between good and evil, and the consequences of making unethical choices. It raises profound questions about the nature of human desires, the limitations of mortal existence, and the importance of moral responsibility.

Marlowe’s play has had a significant influence on subsequent works of literature and drama. It is often seen as a precursor to the works of William Shakespeare and continues to be staged and studied for its complex characters, poetic language, and exploration of timeless themes.