Dr. Faustus Essay -- essays papers

Dr. FaustusIn Christopher Marlowes guide, Doctor Faustus, the idea of repentance is a reoccurring theme with the act character. Faustus is often urged by others to repent his decision to sell his soul to the devil, unless in the end he suffers eternal damnation. Faustus was resigned to this fate because he lacked the belief in his soul of God. He was once a moral and devout man, but greed led him to sin.Although Faustus has signed a contract with the devil in blood, it is intelligible that it is still able to repent. The good angel in the play is trying to make Faustus realize this. Throughout the play the angel encourages Faustus to stay away from isolated magic, Oh Faustus, lay that damned book aside, and gaze not on it lest it tempt thy soul and heap Gods heavy wrath upon thy head.(p. 26, line 69-71) Faustus increment interest in necromancy leads him to give the Lucifer his soul in return for twenty four years of luxurious life. The good angel is eer accompanied by an e vil angel who supports Faustus choice. Both spirits try to advise him on a course of action, with the evil one usually creation more influential. The evil angel speaks of the power, which Faustus thirsts after. Faustus does not want to be a servant to God. He was become disillusioned with the idea of heavenly pleasures when he realizes he can profit immediately from service to the devil. In an exchange with the good angel he shows his lack of interest in having to work for rewards Good holy person Sweet Faustus, leave that execrable actFaustus Contrition, prayer, repentance, what of these?Good Angel O, they are means to bring thee unto heaven With this display of lackadaisical attitude toward God, the likeliness of Faustus repenting be... ... but for Faustus weak soul it is impossible. The overage man in the play is the opposing character to Faustus. The old man is a devout Christian soul, who in hatred of all of the devils tortures, begs Faustus to repent. He clings to his f aith to the very end and even Mephostophilis is wary of harming him because of his good soul. Mephostophilis says in response to Faustus request to kill the old man, His faith is great. I cannot touch his soul. But what I may afflict his body with I will attempt, which is but little worse. In comparison, throughout the play Faustus is unable to repent. His weak soul is not true to God. He would have to truly belief in the supreme power of God in tramp to be saved. He does not repent because his faith has changed, he repents because he fears death. All of Faustus decisions are made through a weak, greedy, power hungry mindset.