Doctor Faustus Reading Journals- Acts 1 to 3

Prologue:

• We learn that Faustus is from a humble background- 'base of stock'.
• Faustus went to University in Wittenberg (Germany). Studied theology (divinity) and makes very good progress in the subject. Awarded a doctorate- 'graced with doctor's name'.
• Although his is veyr intelligent, he seems arrogant. 'cunning of a self-conceit'.
• A reference to the myth of Icarus could be a sign of Faustus' downfall later in the play? 'waxen wings... melting heavens conspired his overthrow'.
• Faustus is also shown to be indulging in black magic (necromancy) 'sufeits upon curséd necromancy...nothing so sweet as magic is to him'. There are also signs to show that Faustus regards magic as more important that his hopes of joy in heaven- 'he prefers before his chiefest bliss'.

Act One, Scene One:

• In Faustus' soliloquy, we see an arrogant side to his character. 'thou hast attained the end'. He believes he has learnt and studied all that he needs. He feels it is now time to pursue a 'greater subject'.
• A similarity between Faustus and Victor Frankenstein- 'Woulds thous make a man to live eternally? Or, being dead, raise them to life again?' Both characters appear to have the same aspirations. Meddling with nature?
• Such as in Morality Plays, the good and evil angels could be personifications of human traits. Representing two sides to Faustus?
• Magic introduced. Faustus wants to dabble in the dark arts... 'necromancy'. He seems to think that magic is the only way he can better himself? 'A sounds magician is seen as a mighty god'.
• Theme of seven deadly sins- 'glutted with conceit of this'.

Scene Two:

• Scholars represent Faustus' education?
• They become worried for Faustus' soul when they learn of him dining with Valdes and Cornelius. Shows how silly Faustus is- even he can't tell that what he is doing is wrong.
• Comic scene.

Scene Three:

• Faustus conjures the Devil. Black magic.
• Why does Faustus not want Mephistopheles to be there as he is? 'Thou art too ugly to attend on me'. Is he finding excuses already to dismiss him? Regret? Or simply being picky?
• Is Faustus arrogant- it appears Mephistopheles is trying to dissuade him from this path, yet Faustus does not seem to be hearing the warnings. 'Why, this is hell... O Faustus leave these frivolous demands'.

Scene Four:

• Comic scene with Robin, Wagner.
• Could be there simply to provide light relief to a dramatic act? 
• Is this scene here to reflect the foolishness of Faustus?

Act Two, Scene One:

• Faustus talks in third person alot. Is he attempting to distance himself from body and soul? Does this mean Faustus is resigned to his fate?
• However, the use of 'Beezlebub' is not as powerful as the use of 'Lucifer', which could suggest that Faustus is not entirely committed.
• 'lukewarm blood of newborn babes'. Joking/ mocking the idea. Atheism.
• 'fruits of lunacy'- reference to Adam and Eve?
• Biblical references i.e. 'glad tidings'.
• Faustus' blood congeals. His own body is resisting? Or is Faustus seeking excuses too easily- does he actually want to go ahead with it?
• 'Consummatum est'. Resigned to his fate.
• Promises to Mephistopheles like the 10 commandments- mokcing religion?
• Faustus is naive? Doesn't believe there will be consequences- 'I think hell's a fable'. Despite Mephistopheles being proof, Faustus still believes they are 'trifles ad old wives' tales'.

Scene Two:

• Cuts into the dramatic scene. Gives the impression the meeting between Faustus and Mephistopheles goes on alot longer.
• Crude language- Shocks and amuses audience.

Scene Three:

• Faustus is unable to repent- thinks about the pleasures resulting from his new powers to console him. But seems as thoguht he does want to repent- doubting his decision?
• Lucifer arrives, Faustus vows never to look to heaven of pray to God. Shocking to Audience.
• Introduction of the seven deadly sins. Faustus seems to not take it seriously- 'mistress minx'.
• 'Farewell great Lucifer'. 'mighty Lucifer'. Faustus in awe?

Act Three
Chorus:

• Wagner speaks chorus lines. Tells us of Faustus's plans to take part in the pope's feast for St Peter's day. Ironic? Because Faustus can't get into heaven, and Peter is the one at the gates.

Scene One:

• Use the pope's 'privy chamber'.
• Mephistopheles confirms the plans to mischeivously disrupt the celebration in the Vatican.
• Faustus is invisible. Snatches food and wine. Comical scene. Is Faustus trying to distract himself from his own fate?
• Anti-Catholic propaganda? Pope seen as being gluttinous (feasting).
• Friars attempt to perform exorcism.

Scene Two:

• Robin has stolen a goblet from a tavern. Tries to outwit Vintnet by using sleight of hand nad conjuring.
• When conjuring, tries to make it sound convincing in Latin (in fact, the 'latin' is gibberish).
• However, he suceeds in raising Mephistopheles, but he is annoyed at being summoned by them. He turns them into a dog and an ape. This therefore goes to show that he was not annoyed at Faustus- his soul is worth the trouble?