But Now I Die Eternally: The Tragedy of Mephistophilis R. A. Williams College

Sometimes, the Devil—or, at least, one of his most trusted minions—really is in the details. In Christopher Marlowe’s play The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus, the most compelling hero is not the eponymous main character. Doctor Faustus, with his puerile egotism and self-absorbed whining, is as guilty of overreach as any character Marlowe ever wrote. He not only dies, but also loses his chance for redemption and is taken to Hell for all eternity. Yet that alone does not make him a tragic hero, particularly since the text contains a far more compelling one: the demon Mephistophilis. This essay will show that, of the two characters, Mephistophilis is the more virtuous, noble, and sympathetic. He does not morally deteriorate over the course of the play like Faustus does, and he is completely loyal within the limits of his contract. Also, having been an angel and actually experienced the delights of Heaven, Mephistophilis is the one whose fall is greater and more tragic.

Christopher Marlowe’s play is based on the story of self-styled philosopher and fortune teller named Faust, who died suddenly in 1540 under very mysterious circumstances. A rumor soon spread that the supernatural being from whom Faust had obtained his magical...