Doctor Faustus Themes
The main themes in Doctor Faustus are the folly of ambition, true versus illusive power, and good versus evil.
- The folly of ambition: Faustus's initially grand aims quickly give way to pranks and entertainments, showing the folly of his desire to reach for power beyond human limitations.
- True versus illusive power: Faustus's power is not truly his own but rather that of Mephistophilis, who is subservient to Lucifer, who is in turn constrained by God.
- Good versus evil: Faustus at first chooses the side of evil in his attainment of ungodly magic, but he later decides to repent, only to be easily swayed towards evil again.
Themes: All Themes
Themes: The Folly of Ambition
From the very outset, Faustus is unsatisfied with traditional areas of study, believing that he is destined for far greater accomplishments than the mastery of normal subjects can prepare him for. It is for this reason that he is attracted to the magical arts, which he knows can grant him powers far beyond those of even kings. But as Faustus’s true motivations become clearer, it is evident that he desires powers far beyond the limits of human...
Themes: True Versus Illusive Power
Although Faustus does influence most of the action in the play through his desires and choices, almost none of his actual deeds are performed by him. From the first, Faustus’s summoning of Mephistophilis is undercut as an achievement when Mephistophilis admits that he only appeared because he had a good chance of collecting Faustus’s soul. From this point on, Faustus wields virtually no power of his own.
It is not only Faustus, however, who...
(Read more)Themes: Good Versus Evil
Faustus’s damnation occurs because of his choice to favor his potential for evil over his potential for good. This is the basis on which Marlowe employs the Good Angel and the Evil Angel, as they both represent dual and oppositional aspects of Faustus’s own personality. But Marlowe takes pains to present this fundamental duality in a number of more subtle ways throughout the play.
The next most obvious example is perhaps that of Lucifer....
(Read more)Themes: Power
In Doctor Faustus, power is a central theme that drives the protagonist's tragic downfall. Faustus, a scholar, becomes dissatisfied with the limits of traditional knowledge and seeks greater power through a pact with the devil. This quest for power leads to his ultimate destruction, as he abuses his newfound abilities for trivial pursuits rather than noble goals. The play explores the corrupting influence of power and the consequences of...
(Read more)Themes: Pride
In Doctor Faustus, pride is a central theme that drives the protagonist's tragic downfall. Faustus, a brilliant scholar, becomes consumed by his own ambition and desire for power, leading him to make a pact with the devil. His excessive pride mirrors that of Lucifer, who was cast out of heaven for similar reasons. Marlowe uses this theme to explore the consequences of hubris and the limits of human knowledge and power.
Faustus's pride is evident...
(Read more)Themes: Damnation
The theme of damnation in Doctor Faustus is central to the play, illustrating the consequences of overreaching ambition and the pursuit of forbidden knowledge. Faustus's journey from a scholar to a damned soul is marked by his pact with Lucifer, which grants him power and knowledge at the cost of his soul. This tragic tale explores the Renaissance conflict between the pursuit of knowledge and the medieval emphasis on divine order and humility.
(Read more)Themes: Hubris
In "Doctor Faustus," hubris is a central theme that drives the narrative and ultimately leads to the protagonist's downfall. Faustus, a brilliant scholar, is consumed by excessive pride and ambition, leading him to make a pact with the devil in exchange for knowledge and power. His hubris blinds him to the consequences of his actions, resulting in his eternal damnation. Marlowe uses Faustus's story to explore the dangers of overreaching ambition...
(Read more)Themes: Religion
In Doctor Faustus , religion is a central theme that explores the conflict between faith and ambition. Faustus, a scholar, rejects Christian beliefs and turns to black magic, seeking power and knowledge beyond...
(This entire section contains 705 words.)
Unlock this Study Guide Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
human limits. This decision sets the stage for a drama that examines sin, redemption, and the consequences of overreaching ambition. The play reflects the religious tensions of Marlowe's time, particularly the Protestant Reformation, and...
(Read more)Themes: Tragedy
The theme of tragedy in Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe is a profound exploration of human ambition, hubris, and the consequences of overreaching. Faustus's story is a classic Elizabethan tragedy that illustrates the downfall of a man who seeks power and knowledge beyond human limits. His tragic end is both a result of his own choices and a reflection of the era's understanding of divine justice.
Faustus's damnation is tragic because he is a...
(Read more)Expert Q&A
Themes and Characterization in Marlowe's Doctor Faustus
Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus explores themes of hubris, ambition, and the limits of knowledge. The protagonist, Faustus, is a gifted scholar who, driven by pride and the desire for power, makes a pact with the devil for forbidden knowledge. This pursuit leads to his downfall, as he fails to repent and is ultimately damned. The play illustrates the futility of seeking power beyond human limits and portrays God as merciful, offering redemption even after Faustus's pact. Faustus's character is marked by arrogance and despair, with his tragic flaw being his inability to recognize the consequences of his actions.
What is the theme of transgression and excess in Doctor Faustus and the Wife of Bath?
Both "The Wife of Bath" and Doctor Faustus explore themes of transgression and excess. The Wife of Bath challenges societal norms by advocating for women's autonomy and power, using her marriages to assert control. Her tale emphasizes women's desire for agency. In contrast, Faustus transgresses by selling his soul for power, demonstrating excessive ambition and pride. His failure to achieve true power and inability to seek redemption highlight the dangers of excess.
