First performed in 1594, Dr Faustus is one of Marlowe’s early plays, although some are doubtful over the authorship. Many believe that the play is a tragedy and that the comic elements of it cannot have been penned by Christopher Marlowe.
Genre: Tragedy/Comedy
Doubtless, there is a conflict of genres within the play. However, it is worth examining Marlowe’s other works. For example, The Jew of Malta is similarly confused and has elements of both comedy and tragedy.
It is believed that an Elizabethan audience would have found the comedic sections of the play very funny indeed. It seems that the mixture of genres would not have been such an alien concept to an audience of the era.
Dramatic Devices Used in Dr Faustus
The events of the play span more than twenty four years. Marlowe masterfully uses the chorus to indicate big leaps in time. The chorus is a very classical device, used copiously in Greek theatre. It is also employed by Marlowe throughout his plays. It is a technique which he uses to great effect.
Another aspect of the play which is very traditional is the two angels, who are an externalisation of Faustus’ conscience. This is something which Marlowe has borrowed from the medieval morality plays.
The play begins with Faustus alone on stage, this is another aspect of the play akin to The Jew of Malta. The theatrical device of soliloquies is something which an Elizabethan audience would have been very familiar with. It also allows Marlowe to set up the premise of the play simply. This may seem a little contrived to the modern eye, but was a well-loved method in its day.
Marlowe was a very poetic playwright, who is well-known for his lyrical verse. For this reason there are those who not only draw comparison with William Shakespeare, but believe that the pair are in fact one and the same.
Marlowe: Conspiracy Theory
Christopher Marlowe’s life is shrouded in mystery. It is believed that he was in fact a spy (the Elizabethan James Bond) and that he faked his own death only to re-immerge under the name of Shakespeare. This theory is rather fanciful and has been refuted. However, the truth will perhaps never be known.
Analysis of The Play
Dr Faustus is an example of Marlowe’s very rich use of language. The play is full of words related to the senses. It is a very sensuous play, with an emphasis on physical gratification.
Dr Faustus is a play very much of its time. Knowledge in the classical world had been viewed as an arch, and it was believed that it was possible to master it all. However, circa 1589, the geocentric theory was already being questioned. The 'Religion vs. Science' debate had begun and Marlowe’s audience would have been all too aware of these arguments.
At the beginning of the play Faustus rejects everything. He disregards Philosophy, Religion, Medicine and Law. He is desirous for universal knowledge and believes that it cannot be found in his scholastic and religious studies. Faustus sells his soul to Mephistopheles in exchange for infinite knowledge.
Like most tragic figures Faustus begins with noble aspirations. Although, once he has acquired the ability to achieve them he does absolutely nothing of worth. He uses his powers for selfish gain and frivolity.
This could be said to be reflective of the human condition, and the fact that human aspirations are deeply flawed. The play is possibly more apt now that it ever has been. The modern world has given itself to technology and has ultimately achieved relatively little with it.
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