The Occult Philosophy:
The Influence of Cornelius Agrippa on Marlowe’s Writings
The Tragical History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus is perhaps the most infamous work written by Christopher Marlowe. Inquiring in a variety of topics ranging from the supernatural, wisdom and a man’s ambition for wealth and power, Marlowe introduces the character of Doctor Faustus whose increasing weariness of basic knowledge leads him to make life-changing decisions.
Faustus’s deviations commence once the teachings he obtains from his study of academic subjects become insufficient for his ambitions and goals. Thus, he listens to the advice of his friends and puts his books aside in order to immerse himself into the indoctrination of the occult arts. …show more content…
Therefore, the arrival of the bad angel is a representation of Faustus’s weakness as he allows his emotions to overtake him and his propensity to be fooled by the evil spirts.
But because good Angels will hardly appear, expecting the command of God, and come not but to men pure in heart, and holy in life.
((Three Books of Occult Philosophy, Book III, P.268)
At last, melancholy will come to the doctor once he finds himself upfront with his fate. Cornelius Agrippa was very specific regarding such situations as he resolves that the use of evil magic will eventually turn to be prejudicial to those who make use of it. The occult philosopher and renewed scholar was always very clear when referring to the given proposes of his studies in magic, such as the communion with the divine and the objective to grasp a better insight into the secrets of the Universe. Christopher Marlowe, on the other hand, characterizes Faustus with the wrong intentions and …show more content…
Hence, he is left to blame for his own misery and having used the name of God for his own pleasure he is left alone with the devils as company.
In conclusion, Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus can be perceived as a story of morality in which viewers are advised against their own ambitions to commit nefarious acts. Following the ideas of Agrippa, Marlowe demonstrates the consequences of the improper use of the occult arts such as calling on spirits with the objective to gain power, wealth and wisdom. At the same time, the spirits presented in Agrippa’s writing and that can be seen as benevolent are exchanged for devils and witchcraft in the play.
Christopher Marlowe, thus, has based his most infamous play off the occult philosophy, its beliefs and methods but has opted for neglecting the instructions given by philosophers such as Cornelius Agrippa. Such decisions are seen by Frances A. Yates as a mockery towards those whose desires and use of magic were pure in use, and who wished nothing more but to increaser their knowledge. However, it can also be seen from another perspective as a warning from Marlowe to follow thoroughly with the doctrines of intellectuals like Agrippa himself. By doing so, the magical arts will be true to their original purpose which was nothing more but to gain understanding of the concealed truths of the Universe and everything surrounding
The Influence of Cornelius Agrippa on Marlowe’s Writings
The Tragical History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus is perhaps the most infamous work written by Christopher Marlowe. Inquiring in a variety of topics ranging from the supernatural, wisdom and a man’s ambition for wealth and power, Marlowe introduces the character of Doctor Faustus whose increasing weariness of basic knowledge leads him to make life-changing decisions.
Faustus’s deviations commence once the teachings he obtains from his study of academic subjects become insufficient for his ambitions and goals. Thus, he listens to the advice of his friends and puts his books aside in order to immerse himself into the indoctrination of the occult arts. …show more content…
Therefore, the arrival of the bad angel is a representation of Faustus’s weakness as he allows his emotions to overtake him and his propensity to be fooled by the evil spirts.
But because good Angels will hardly appear, expecting the command of God, and come not but to men pure in heart, and holy in life.
((Three Books of Occult Philosophy, Book III, P.268)
At last, melancholy will come to the doctor once he finds himself upfront with his fate. Cornelius Agrippa was very specific regarding such situations as he resolves that the use of evil magic will eventually turn to be prejudicial to those who make use of it. The occult philosopher and renewed scholar was always very clear when referring to the given proposes of his studies in magic, such as the communion with the divine and the objective to grasp a better insight into the secrets of the Universe. Christopher Marlowe, on the other hand, characterizes Faustus with the wrong intentions and …show more content…
Hence, he is left to blame for his own misery and having used the name of God for his own pleasure he is left alone with the devils as company.
In conclusion, Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus can be perceived as a story of morality in which viewers are advised against their own ambitions to commit nefarious acts. Following the ideas of Agrippa, Marlowe demonstrates the consequences of the improper use of the occult arts such as calling on spirits with the objective to gain power, wealth and wisdom. At the same time, the spirits presented in Agrippa’s writing and that can be seen as benevolent are exchanged for devils and witchcraft in the play.
Christopher Marlowe, thus, has based his most infamous play off the occult philosophy, its beliefs and methods but has opted for neglecting the instructions given by philosophers such as Cornelius Agrippa. Such decisions are seen by Frances A. Yates as a mockery towards those whose desires and use of magic were pure in use, and who wished nothing more but to increaser their knowledge. However, it can also be seen from another perspective as a warning from Marlowe to follow thoroughly with the doctrines of intellectuals like Agrippa himself. By doing so, the magical arts will be true to their original purpose which was nothing more but to gain understanding of the concealed truths of the Universe and everything surrounding