I am extending this letter with the intention to let you know some comments regarding the character of Faustus in the play. I tried to discuss with the actor about the transition from playing Pentheus in The Bacchae, but he would not listen because in his opinion the two are "the same guy". It is true that the characters and the situations in which they find themselves are similar, but the idea of playing Faustus with the essence of Pentheus could cause a conflict in the theatrical representation of the actor and thus affect the quality of the production. As it is in my best interest that the play is considered a success, I think it is my duty as the dramaturge in this production to clarify the differences between the two characters for
…show more content…
They both are blind to their own salvation because of their delusional thoughts. Both are warned that if they continue with their actions, they will be sealing their fate with death. Pentheus doesn’t acknowledge the advice of Cadmus and Tiresias to accept Dionysus as a god. Is Dionysius himself who gives a last warning to Pentheus: "My friend, it is still possible to put this right", but the desire of Pentheus to impose a dictatorship as the sovereign leader of Thebes is what leads him to his death. Regarding the other character, is Mephistopeles himself who suggests to Faustus to end his alliance with the devil when he tells him about the horrors of hell: "Hell hath no limits, nor is circumscribed in one self-place; for where we are is hell, and where is hell, there must we ever be”. But Faustus refuses to repent of his agreement because the thought of being just a man of flesh destroys the possibility of him ever repenting his decision. In one passage of the play Faustus says: "My heart's so hard'ned I cannot repent. Scarce can I name salvation, faith, or heaven, But fearful echoes thunder in mine ears 'Faustus, thou art damn'd!" this reflects how conflicted and divided Faustus is internally. In contrast to Pentheus, who’s only concern is his image as the king of
They both are blind to their own salvation because of their delusional thoughts. Both are warned that if they continue with their actions, they will be sealing their fate with death. Pentheus doesn’t acknowledge the advice of Cadmus and Tiresias to accept Dionysus as a god. Is Dionysius himself who gives a last warning to Pentheus: "My friend, it is still possible to put this right", but the desire of Pentheus to impose a dictatorship as the sovereign leader of Thebes is what leads him to his death. Regarding the other character, is Mephistopeles himself who suggests to Faustus to end his alliance with the devil when he tells him about the horrors of hell: "Hell hath no limits, nor is circumscribed in one self-place; for where we are is hell, and where is hell, there must we ever be”. But Faustus refuses to repent of his agreement because the thought of being just a man of flesh destroys the possibility of him ever repenting his decision. In one passage of the play Faustus says: "My heart's so hard'ned I cannot repent. Scarce can I name salvation, faith, or heaven, But fearful echoes thunder in mine ears 'Faustus, thou art damn'd!" this reflects how conflicted and divided Faustus is internally. In contrast to Pentheus, who’s only concern is his image as the king of