Or, Doctor Faustus represents not the triumph of atheism but the vindication of the Christian faith.
“Doctor Faustus” is a play written by Christopher Marlowe (1564-93) in the late 16th century. It can be viewed as a religious play due to its exploration of themes related to religion, morality, and the consequences of human ambition. Here is a point-by-point discussion of how “Doctor Faustus” can be seen as a religious play:
Theological Context
The play is deeply rooted in Christian theology, drawing from concepts such as sin, salvation, damnation, and the battle between good and evil. It explores the consequences of a mortal soul making a bond with the devil and abandoning God’s grace.
Ambition and Pride
The character of Faustus embodies the human desire for power, knowledge, and limitless ambition. His pursuit of knowledge and magical abilities can be seen as a metaphor for the temptation of worldly desires, which can lead to spiritual downfall.
The Temptation of the Devil
Mephistopheles, a devil who serves as Faustus’ companion, represents the forces of evil and temptation. He offers Faustus worldly power and pleasure:
“I am a servant to great Lucifer
And may not follow thee without his leave”
Through Mephistopheles, Faustus is enticed with wealth, power, and pleasure offers. This temptation symbolizes the lure of sin and the dangers of succumbing to it.
Faustus’s Pact and Consequences
Faustus willingly enters into a pact with Lucifer, exchanging his soul for twenty-four years of earthly power and knowledge. This pact reflects the concept of selling one’s soul to the devil, which is a recurring theme in religious literature. The consequences of Faustus’ pact highlight the eternal damnation that awaits those who abandon God’s grace.
Repentance and Divine Grace
Throughout the play, Faustus is confronted by his conscience and the possibility of repentance. He is given opportunities to turn away from his sinful path and seek God’s forgiveness. The Good Angel urges him to repent:
“Faustus, repent; yet God will pity thee”
However, his pride and desire for earthly pleasures prevent him from embracing divine grace, ultimately leading to his tragic end.
Christian Morality
“Doctor Faustus” serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the moral consequences of straying from the path of righteousness. It emphasizes the importance of faith, humility, and obedience to God’s will. The play urges audiences to reflect on their own moral choices and the eternal consequences they may face.
Religious Symbolism and Imagery
Marlowe incorporates various religious symbols and imagery throughout the play. These include references to the Bible, Christian rituals, and the Seven Deadly Sins. These elements deepen the religious undertones of the play and reinforce its themes of sin, redemption, and damnation.
Divine Intervention
The play features several instances where divine intervention could potentially save Faustus from damnation. However, it is ultimately Faustus’ own free will and choices that determine his fate, highlighting the importance of personal responsibility and the consequences of one’s actions.
Overall, “Doctor Faustus” can be interpreted as a religious play due to its exploration of themes rooted in Christian theology, such as sin, salvation, damnation, and the battle between good and evil. It uses the character of Faustus and his pact with the devil to examine the dangers of pride, ambition, and the lure of worldly desires. It also emphasizes the importance of repentance, divine grace, and moral choices.
Read Also: Discuss Doctor Faustus as a Tragic Character
