Doctor Faustus (Marlowe) Video

Video Transcript:

Doctor Faustus is a tragedy written by Christopher Marlowe shortly before the playwright’s death in 1593. A cautionary tale, the play tells the story of Faustus, a man who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for power and riches. The character of Faustus has origins in German legend and is rumored to have been based on a real alchemist from the Renaissance era, Johann Georg Faust.

The play opens with a prologue in which a chorus introduces us to Faustus, a brilliant doctor of divinity who rose to prominence as a scholar despite modest origins. When we meet Faustus, he has moved on from theology to magic and the dark arts, which he believes will give him more power than kings.

Two angels, one good and one evil, try to advise Faustus. The Good Angel tells him to put the dark arts aside and prioritize his chance at heaven, while the Evil Angel encourages Faustus to pursue magic, as it could give him limitless powers on earth.

Faustus orders his servant, Wagner, to summon Valdes and Cornelius, two famous magicians and friends to Faustus. When they arrive, Faustus informs these friends that he has decided to practice witchcraft and intends to conjure that very night. Valdes and Cornelius are delighted and promise the aspiring magician that, with their knowledge and his mind, they will be able to control nature itself.

Meanwhile, two scholars meet Wagner the servant and ask him where Faustus is. Wagner informs them that his master is with Valdes and Cornelius. The scholars are concerned and decide to inform the clergy.

That night, Faustus summons Mephistophilis, a devil from hell. At first, Mephistophilis’ form is too ugly for Faustus to bear, so he asks the demon to transform into the shape of a friar instead. Faustus then commands Mephistophilis to be his servant, but the devil explains that only Lucifer can be his master. Faustus is intrigued and orders Mephistophilis to tell Lucifer he’d like to sell his soul in exchange for twenty-four years of magical powers.

Mephistophilis asks that Faustus seal the deal by signing a contract in his own blood. Faustus agrees, but when he cuts his arm to sign it, the wound is divinely healed, bearing the inscription “Man, flee!” which frightens Faustus. Ignoring the warning, he signs the contract, finalizing his deal with the devil.

Faustus asks Mephistophilis several questions about heaven, hell, and God, but he is dissatisfied with the demon’s answers. Encouraged by the Good Angel to repent, Faustus wishes he could but worries that it’s too late. Learning of Faustus’ desire to repent, Lucifer, Mephistophilis, and another demon called Beelzebub, intimidate him into honoring his contract.

Over the years, Faustus travels far and wide, earning riches and acclaim. He pulls pranks on the pope and commoners alike, even becoming a favorite of the German emperor, whom he entertains by conjuring long-dead legends like Alexander the Great. Despite his enemies’ attempts to kill him, Faustus survives, proving that he indeed cannot be killed.

Nearing the end of the twenty-four years, Faustus prepares for certain death, leaving everything to Wagner. A pious old man insists that Faustus can still repent, but Mephistophilis threatens Faustus with physical violence. Doomed, Faustus asks Mephistophilis to summon Helen of Troy, the famous beauty from Homer’s Illiad, to serve as his final indulgence.

Finally, the night on which Faustus must surrender his soul arrives. Along with Faustus’ scholar friends, the Good Angel laments Faustus’ fate, while Mephistophilis, Lucifer, Beelzebub, and the Evil Angel taunt him. The gates of hell open, and despite Faustus’ pleading, the devils drag him into the abyss. In a final speech, the chorus warns the audience to remember the story of Faustus, a man who wasted his potential for a chance at omnipotence.