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Doctor Faustus

In recent years, we have seen modern interpretations of a number of Shakespearean dramas on stage and film. These include, but are not limited to, the modern renderings of Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Othello. Certainly, we can agree that Marlowe's Doctor Faustus is a classic in its own right, and thereby worthy of such reinterpretation. No matter the version of the play that we see however, the story remains the same. As such, we will first quickly overview the plot of the play Doctor Faustus. Then, with that basis in mind, we will discuss the modern renderings of the play as well as some critical interpretation of Marlowe's symbolism. All of this, with special regard to the character Mephistopheles, as he seems to be the character upon which all versions of the production tend to pivot.

The play begins with a rather long philosophical soliloquy from Faustus, who is considering all the different forms of knowledge as he sees them. As a physician, Faustus has already achieved a great deal, but no amount of worldly knowledge seems to be good enough for him. Thus, he decides that he would like to become a magician, believing that this will make him godlike.

After Faustus is done contemplating, his servant, Wagner enters. Faustus tells him to ask his friends Valdes and Cornelius to come teach him how to perform magic. While he awaits his friends, he is visited by an angel and a devil who try to make him realize that what he is doing will either be a great thing (the devil does this), or a terrible mistake (thus spoke the angel). Because Faustus wants power and money, he listens to the devil, and plans to heed his command. After this, Faustus' friends enter and promise to teach him magic. While they are there, two scholars enter to meet with Faustus, but when they see Valdes and Cornelius there, they begin to realize that Faustus may be studying magicĀ·of which they seem to disapprove.

That night is when Faustus conjures th...

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Doctor Faustus. (1969, December 31). In LotsofEssays.com. Retrieved 06:09, March 29, 2024, from https://www.lotsofessays.com/viewpaper/1694976.html