Justify Doctor Faustus as a Morality Play with Quotes
Doctor Faustus is a play written by Christopher Marlowe in the late 16th century. The play tells the story of Doctor Faustus, a highly educated man who becomes consumed by his desire for knowledge and power. He ultimately makes a deal with the devil, selling his soul in exchange for 24 years of unlimited knowledge and worldly pleasures.
Throughout the play, Faustus indulges in the Seven Deadly Sins and is visited by both a Good and a Bad Angel, representing the opposing forces of good and evil. The Good Angel urges Faustus to repent and turn to God, while the Bad Angel tempts him to continue on his path of sin.
What is Morality play?
A morality play is a genre of medieval and early Tudor theatrical entertainment. In a morality play, the characters personify moral attributes or abstract concepts that are used to teach a moral lesson. The characters of these plays are often symbolic figures, who represent virtues or vices, and the audience is expected to learn the difference between right and wrong.
The morality play is a form of allegory, in which the characters, plot, and action are used to teach a moral lesson. These plays typically have a protagonist who is faced with a moral dilemma and must choose between good and evil. The play then follows the character's actions and the consequences of those actions, ultimately illustrating the moral lesson.
How to consider Doctor Faustus as a Morality Play
 |
| Justify Doctor Faustus as a Morality Play with Quotes |
Doctor Faustus is considered a morality play for several reasons. One of the most prominent is its clear presentation of the consequences of moral choices. The play follows the character of Faustus, a highly educated man who becomes consumed by his desire for knowledge and power, ultimately selling his soul to the devil in exchange for 24 years of unlimited knowledge and worldly pleasures.
👉One of the key quotes that illustrate the play's moral message is when Faustus says,
"O, I'll leap up to my God! Who pulls me down? See, see where Christ's blood streams in the firmament! One drop would save my soul, half a drop: ah, my Christ -" (Act 2, Scene 1).
This quote demonstrates Faustus's realization of the gravity of his actions and the eternal consequences of his choices. He recognizes that even a small amount of salvation would save his soul, but it is too late for him to undo his pact with the devil.
👉Another quote that highlights the play's moral message is when the Good Angel says,
"O, Faustus, lay that damned book aside, / And gaze not on it, lest it tempt thy soul / And heap God's heavy wrath upon thy head! / Read, read the Scriptures - that is blasphemy" (Act 1, Scene 4).
This quote shows the clear contrast between the path of righteousness and the path of temptation and sin. The Good Angel urges Faustus to turn away from his desire for forbidden knowledge and instead turn to the word of God.
👉The play also features the characters of the Good and Bad Angels, who personify the opposing forces of good and evil. The Good Angel represents God's grace and the possibility of redemption, while the Bad Angel represents the devil's temptations and the consequences of sin. These characters serve as a clear representation of the choices that Faustus must make throughout the play and the ultimate fate that awaits him as a result of those choices.
👉In addition, the play's use of the allegory of the Seven Deadly Sins, which Faustus indulges in throughout the play, serves as a reminder of the dangers of succumbing to temptation and the importance of maintaining a moral code.
Faustus's realization of his mistakes and the gravity of his actions: Faustus's realization of his mistakes, as well as his realization of the gravity of his actions, serves as a reminder of the importance of considering the long-term consequences of one's choices.
The role of religion: The play also highlights the importance of religion and the guidance it can provide in making moral decisions, as seen in the Good Angel's urging Faustus to turn to the word of God.
A cautionary tale: The play serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of succumbing to temptation and the importance of living a moral life.
How did Christopher Marlowe give a moral message?
Christopher Marlowe, the author of Doctor Faustus, uses a variety of literary techniques to convey the play's moral message. Some of the key ways in which he does this include:
Characterization: Marlowe uses the character of Faustus to represent the consequences of giving into temptation and the dangers of seeking forbidden knowledge. Through Faustus's descent into damnation, the play serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of making moral choices.
Symbolism: Marlowe uses symbolism, such as the allegory of the Seven Deadly Sins, to reinforce the play's moral message and to remind the audience of the dangers of succumbing to temptation and the importance of maintaining a moral code.
Dialogue: Marlowe uses dialogue, particularly between the Good and Bad Angels, to contrast the opposing forces of good and evil and to highlight the choices that Faustus must make and the ultimate fate that awaits him as a result of those choices.
Irony: Marlowe uses irony to highlight the tragedy of Faustus's situation, as he realizes too late the gravity of his actions and the eternal consequences of his choices.
Themes of redemption and grace: Marlowe explores the themes of redemption and grace through the character of the Good Angel, who represents the possibility of forgiveness and salvation for Faustus.
Religious references: Marlowe uses religious references and imagery throughout the play, such as the devil and the mention of heaven and hell, to convey the play's moral message and to highlight the importance of religion in making moral decisions.
Faustus's realization of his mistakes: Marlowe uses Faustus's realization of his mistakes and the gravity of his actions as a reminder of the importance of considering the long-term consequences of one's choices.
Overall, Marlowe uses a variety of literary techniques to convey the moral message of the play, which is a cautionary tale about the dangers of succumbing to temptation and the importance of making moral choices.
Tags
Literature