The Cost of Sin—As Seen Through the Lens of a Sixteenth Century Writer Doctor Faustus, by Christopher Marlowe, can be used as a representation of humanity and the internal battle that each person has with the desires of their soul. During the time in which Doctor Faustus was written, there was a major emphasis on religion and faith in Christ—turning away from evil and turning to God. In addition, this time brought about a major increase in “morality” plays—which focused on the struggle of the Christian soul. The religious ideals that were brought about from this time period are clearly represented in Doctor Faustus as the story revolves around the soul of this man, and his decision to follow the devil; in addition, the story can be categorized
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This reflects the minds of people during this time period as they thought through religion. Not only was the fear hell on the forefront of minds during this time, but also the idea of heaven was thought about increasingly. As the scene continues on, Faustus shows the struggle of the human soul. Right before Faustus is supposed to sell his soul to the devil, the blood from his arm will not come out, and he has a moment of questioning, “Is not thy soul thine own? Then write again: “Faustus gives to thee his soul” (Scene 5, lines 68-69). During the Sixteenth Century, thinking heavily revolved around thoughts on the human soul—in particular, when choosing to follow God or turn away from him. These lines show this battle that many faced during this century, but unlike the majority, Faustus ultimately chose to sell his soul to the devil, “…this bill is ended, and Faustus hath bequeathed his soul to Lucifer” (Scene 5, lines 74-75). The scenes after this demonstrate the reckless behavior of Faustus, and how he chose to use his powers for evil, rather than good. This most likely reflects the thoughts that many religious individuals had about those that were choosing to turn away from God, on a more dramatic level. As Faustus reaches the end of the end of his life, reality steps in. This first comes in the form of the Old Man in scene twelve who tries to convince Faustus to repent by saying, “But mercy, Faustus, of thy savior sweet, whose blood alone must wash away thy guilt” (Scene 12, lines 36-37). These words reflect the Sixteenth Century ideas of Martin Luther that by faith and repentance, God will forgive and take away sins. Even after this warning, however, Faustus decides to reconfirm his vow with Lucifer until he reaches
This reflects the minds of people during this time period as they thought through religion. Not only was the fear hell on the forefront of minds during this time, but also the idea of heaven was thought about increasingly. As the scene continues on, Faustus shows the struggle of the human soul. Right before Faustus is supposed to sell his soul to the devil, the blood from his arm will not come out, and he has a moment of questioning, “Is not thy soul thine own? Then write again: “Faustus gives to thee his soul” (Scene 5, lines 68-69). During the Sixteenth Century, thinking heavily revolved around thoughts on the human soul—in particular, when choosing to follow God or turn away from him. These lines show this battle that many faced during this century, but unlike the majority, Faustus ultimately chose to sell his soul to the devil, “…this bill is ended, and Faustus hath bequeathed his soul to Lucifer” (Scene 5, lines 74-75). The scenes after this demonstrate the reckless behavior of Faustus, and how he chose to use his powers for evil, rather than good. This most likely reflects the thoughts that many religious individuals had about those that were choosing to turn away from God, on a more dramatic level. As Faustus reaches the end of the end of his life, reality steps in. This first comes in the form of the Old Man in scene twelve who tries to convince Faustus to repent by saying, “But mercy, Faustus, of thy savior sweet, whose blood alone must wash away thy guilt” (Scene 12, lines 36-37). These words reflect the Sixteenth Century ideas of Martin Luther that by faith and repentance, God will forgive and take away sins. Even after this warning, however, Faustus decides to reconfirm his vow with Lucifer until he reaches