In “The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus,” Christopher Marlowe’s use of comic scenes helps move along the plot and premise of the play. Along with that, the comic scenes function as a parallel to Dr. Faustus’ aspirations in an effort to ridicule the nature of his actions and decisions. The parallel created by Marlowe in the play is one between Faustus, a scholar, and someone of a lower status, may that be a Clown or an apprentice. This comparison between a scholar, a highly literate and educated man, and the latter two characters, which are meant to represent people below Faustus, is another way in which Marlowe undermines and ridicules Faustus’ power and intellectual supremacy. The parody and slapstick comedy function as a tool to convey Faustus’
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In this quote Faustus decides to tackle on the acquisition of practicing black magic; however, while announcing his decision “to practice magic and [the] concealed arts,” Faustus also showcases his egoistic trait to the reader (1.1.101). This is because while crediting Valdes and Cornelius as the ones who convince him to take on magic, Faustus adds that their influence has nothing to do with the ideas in his head about his magical aspirations (1.1.102-104). This egoistic trait Faustus possesses comes from his position of being a scholar: “the fruitful plot of scholarism graced, /that shortly he was graced with Doctor’s name, /excelling all” (1.16-18). It is established by the chorus that Faustus is an academic man; however, his egoistic portrayal is highlighted in his first …show more content…
This is evident when looking towards the end of the play, such as when Faustus launches a career as a prankster and magician. Faustus launches his career as a prankster and magician when he turns invisible and “snatche[s] the meat from” the Pope, along with his “wine” too (3.4.65,66). On the other hand, the characters Robin and Rafe make a mockery out of Faustus’ actions and decisions by parodying or imitating his actions. This is evident when Robin and Rafe burlesque Faustus’ conjurations by “stol’n one of Doctor Faustus’ conjuring books, and…search [for] circles for [their] own use”
In this quote Faustus decides to tackle on the acquisition of practicing black magic; however, while announcing his decision “to practice magic and [the] concealed arts,” Faustus also showcases his egoistic trait to the reader (1.1.101). This is because while crediting Valdes and Cornelius as the ones who convince him to take on magic, Faustus adds that their influence has nothing to do with the ideas in his head about his magical aspirations (1.1.102-104). This egoistic trait Faustus possesses comes from his position of being a scholar: “the fruitful plot of scholarism graced, /that shortly he was graced with Doctor’s name, /excelling all” (1.16-18). It is established by the chorus that Faustus is an academic man; however, his egoistic portrayal is highlighted in his first …show more content…
This is evident when looking towards the end of the play, such as when Faustus launches a career as a prankster and magician. Faustus launches his career as a prankster and magician when he turns invisible and “snatche[s] the meat from” the Pope, along with his “wine” too (3.4.65,66). On the other hand, the characters Robin and Rafe make a mockery out of Faustus’ actions and decisions by parodying or imitating his actions. This is evident when Robin and Rafe burlesque Faustus’ conjurations by “stol’n one of Doctor Faustus’ conjuring books, and…search [for] circles for [their] own use”