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Do you agree that Doctor Faustus is a tragedy only in its ending and a comedy in its unfolding?

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Doctor Faustus can be viewed as a comedy in its unfolding due to its irreverent treatment of sacred subjects and its protagonist's trivial pursuits. Faustus, a low-born, knowledgeable man, sells his soul for demonic powers yet uses them for frivolous acts, such as pranks at the Pope's court and summoning historical figures for amusement. This ironic and lighthearted portrayal contrasts with the tragic ending where Faustus is condemned to hell, highlighting the play's dual nature.

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Doctor Faustus is comical in its unfolding because it pokes fun at the things that most people hold sacred. Events and people that are usually treated with seriousness and respect are made light of Thus, Doctor Faustus presents an ironic version of reality by playing with the sacred/profane dichotomy. This lightheartedness begins early in the play. Faustus is not a typical hero. His heritage is neither aristocratic nor pious. His family is poor and his name unknown is socialite circles. In the early 1600's, when this play was written, a hero of lowly origins would have been comical in itself. Furthermore, despite having a wide base of knowledge in virtually all domains of knowledge (including medicine, religion and logic), Faustus sells his soul to Lucifer for 24 years of life on earth with the service of a junior demon. The junior demon helps Faustus accomplish whatever he wants to in...

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life. What does Faustus decide to do with his newfound powers? Nothing of importance! He spends the next 24 years making light of religion, death and love. For example, Dr. Faustus makes himself invisible in the Pope's court - simply as a trick. He steals food at the Pope's banquet. He re-animates the body of Helen of Troy simply because he can. He creates ghost-like images of Alexander the Great and other rulers. At the end of his 24 years of trickery, Dr. Faustus is delivered into the hands of Lucifer to spend eternity in hell. The comedic aspect of this story's unfolding is the way Dr. Faustus continuously makes light of people and circumstances that we usually regard with respect, austerity, and/or deference.
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