Faustus as a Medieval Morality Play - 1603 Words

Faustus as a Medieval Morality Play By K.Friedman Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus has been influenced by the conventions of a Medieval Morality play through Marlowe’s purely didactic use of the text to encourage Christian values. He uses various dramatised moral allegories that together encompass the themes of divided nature of man allegorised through the good and bad angels that demonstrate virtue and vice, alongside the concept of sin and degradation allegorised by the Seven Deadly Sins, the notion of fate versus free will, displayed by a lack of characterisation of God and the possibility of redemption through Christian framework. Such characteristics create the makings of a medieval morality play. Marlowe influences Faustus†¦show more content†¦He proclaims, â€Å"Divinity, adieu!†, rebuking any need for a higher power to bless or help him. Rather, he embraces the occult and heretical practices of Lucifer. When he choses to sign away his immortal soul to the devil is another aspect of the rising free-will. In that moment when he cut open his arm and used his life force to condemn himself to an eternity in hell, he made a voluntary decision. â€Å"Ay Mephastophilis, I [Faustus] give it to thee†¦And Faustus hath bequeathed his soul to Lucifer† The rise of the free will was a gradual process which began with the limited role of God and continued evolving until the rise of knowledge and the concepts of free will and choice finalised the complete notion of the self-aware and self-sufficient being. At the conclusion, he knew what would come of his decision but yet he could still choose between heaven or hell. Yet once again, he was led him to choose that which tormented him as he cried, â€Å"Gentleman, farewell†¦Faustus is gone to hell†. Here the audience are shown a didactic medieval morality characteristic whereby, ultimately the devil did not approach Faustus, but Faustus approached the devil out of free will, not any divine trait. Faustus has been influenced by the conventions of a Medieval Morality play through Marlowe’s use of the theme of redemption from damnation. In making a pact with Lucifer, Faustus commits what is in aShow MoreRelated A Comparison of Everyman and Christopher Marlowes Doctor Faustus1145 Words   |  5 PagesA Comparison of Everyman and Christopher Marlowes Doctor Faustus Everyman and Doctor Faustus are both Morality Plays, these are specifically plays that existed within the Medieval period. They were popular during this period as they were intended to instruct the audience in the Christian way and attitudes to life. The morality play is essentially an allegory written in dramatic form. 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