The dramatic significance of the last scene in the play Doctor Faustus
Comment on the dramatic significance of the last scene in the play “Doctor Faustus”.
Introduction: Christopher Marlowe (1564–1593) is an outstanding expert in painting the utmost agony and misery in his scenes. His death scenes in all the plays are remarkable for their dense enthusiasm and sharpness.
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The morality of damnation
After the curse of Christianity and the surrender of Faustus’ soul to the Devil, the extreme action of the play begins. The harshness of fate reaches its peak in the last scene of the play. The man who once dreamed of becoming the King of the world is now totally broken and is waiting for the final damnation. He begs pardon for his sins to God.
When the last hour knocks at the door, the agonized soul of Faustus meets eternal doom and damnation. His soliloquy proves his fear of death-
“Oh, it strikes, it strikes: Now body turn to air
Or Lucifer will bear thee quick to hell;
O soul, be changed into little waterdrops.
And fall into the ocean, ne’er be found.”
It is Faustus who once did not feel dear about the suffering of hell, but now, the grim of death is tragically revealed when we hear the last word from dying Faustus’ lips-
“Ah! Mephistophilis”
The soul is seized by the Devil right after the words uttered by Faustus. Thus, the agony of Faustus is very pitifully and scenically described by Marlowe in the last scene of “Doctor Faustus”.
Conclusion: The last scene of “Doctor Faustus” shows us the extreme suffering of Faustus. It also shows the devastating end of a proud and extremely ambitious soul.
