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 from the beginning of the play. He dismisses traditional fields of study, deeming them inadequate for his ambitions. He turns to necromancy, believing it will grant him limitless knowledge and power. This decision reflects his arrogance and desire to transcend human limitations. Faustus's pride blinds him to the dangers of his actions, leading him to make a fatal bargain with Mephistopheles.

The parallel between Faustus and Lucifer highlights the destructive nature of pride. Both characters possess great potential but are undone by their ambition. Lucifer's fall from grace is a result of his desire to rival God, as described by Mephistopheles: "O, by aspiring pride and insolence; For which God threw him from the face of Heaven." Similarly, Faustus's quest for power leads to his eternal damnation, as he fails to repent and seek redemption.

Marlowe's use of classical and religious imagery further emphasizes the theme of pride. Faustus is compared to Icarus, who flew too close to the sun and fell to his death. This allusion underscores the dangers of overreaching ambition. The play's prologue and epilogue explicitly warn against the perils of pride, urging the audience to "practice more than heavenly power permits." These elements reinforce the moral lesson that pride leads to downfall.

Ultimately, Faustus's tragic fate serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of excessive pride. His inability to recognize the limits of human power and his refusal to humble himself before God result in his eternal damnation. Through Faustus's story, Marlowe illustrates the destructive nature of pride and the importance of humility and obedience to divine authority.