Chorus
- The chorus reports to the audience of how Faustus is now a famous man, and is invited to court by Charles the 5th and the Emporor- 'Now is his fame spread forth in every land. Amongst the rest the Emperor is one, Carolus the Fifth, at who palace now Faustus is feasted'.
- Faustus is asked many questions on his return home, concerning his travels 'through the world and air'. And he is able to use his knowledge to answer their questions on astrology. It appears that Faustus is admired greatly by his friends- maybe this pact has, in fact, benefitted him?
- Even the emporor requests to see the 'black art' that Faustus is rumoured to be able to do. He seems amazed by what Faustus can do, and asked him to show 'proof of thy skill'. Shows just how famous Faustus has become, as even important figures such as the Emporor are keen to witness what he can acheive.
- Faustus agrees to conjure historical figures (Alexander the great and his mistress). But the Emporor is immediately sceptical- checks to see whether there is a mole on her neck. Takes away the dramatic element?
- The annoying knight is punished by Faustus- a pair of horns grow from his head.
- Emporor promises to reward Faustus for showing his skills. Is there much point- even Faustus admits his is nearing the end of his life. 'Short'ning my days and thread of vital life'.
- Horse dealer enters ('Horse-Courser'). The reputation of dishonesty in Horse Dealers would have made the audience take an instant dislike to this character- this would make it amusing for them when Mephistopheles makes the joke against him (about his apparent 'responsibilties' where in fact, he does not have a family).
- Faustus begins to 'despair'. Regretting his actions?
- The horse-courser attempts to wake Faustus, but in doing so, pulls of his leg. It is both comical and grotesque, and would have amused the audience greatly! Especially when seeing the horse-courser tricked into paying more money!
- Faustus produces grapes for the duke and duchess- is it all worth selling your soul to the devil? Maybe this links to Faustus having wasted his 24 years?
- Although he is promised a reward again, doesn't seem worth it.
Scene One:
- Faustus representing the idea of him being an inverted christ? How he is at his last supper? The disciples being portrayed by the scholars (who call him 'Master').
- Faustus appears to be regretting his actions? 'I do repent, and yet I do despair'. Faustus is struggling with what to do- although he still does not want to repent. Does not take the chance to save his soul.
- Suicide? God will not save him- ultimate sin to reject the gift of life. Does this explain the absence of God through the play? Or is it the idea of Calvinism- that some people are predestined to go to hell?
- Has God rejected Faustus? Or has Faustus rejected God? (For he is given the chance to repent, but doesn't.)
- Stark contrast to Faustus' previous attitude towards hell- 'damned both body and soul'. He now seems to believe in hell, is understanding the seriousness of his decision 24 years ago. 'Faustus' offence can ne'er be pardoned'.
- The scholars show similar devotion to faustus as the disciples show towards Jesus. 'we will pray that God may have mercy upon thee'.
- Faustus' soliloquy. Reflects the image of christ upon the cross? 'My God, my God'.
- Would have been shocking for the audience. Very dramatic scene, where Faustus is in torment. 'Impose some end to my incessant pain'.
- Morality play? He ends up going to hell, so the story has an end to it that fits with the structure of a morality play (i.e. evil/good angels represent sides to a human's personality?)
- 'burned is Apollo's laurel bough'. Reference to greek tragedy?
- 'Regard his hellish fall'. Moral to the story, something to be learnt.
- Ends like the beginning, nothing has been accomplished over his 24 years.
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