The Tragical History Of Doctor Faustus Essay

“The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus” is a tragedy, written by Christopher Marlowe, which conveys the conflict between good and evil, a heavy use of symbolism, and a theme that reflects back into the society and time it was written in. This tragedy was first performed sometime between 1588 and 1593, and published sometime in the early 1600s and is based on the protagonist, of the same name, of classic German folklore. “Doctor Faustus” tells the story of Faustus who has made a deal with the devil in order to gain unlimited knowledge, which in turn, guides him down a path of damnation and a constant struggle between right and wrong. The decisions that the titular character makes throughout the story are explained through the use of symbolism, such as the seven deadly sins and the use of good and evil angels, and through the allusions that are present throughout the story. One of the most pressing themes in Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus is the conflict between good and evil, which is presented through the characters of the good angel and the evil angel. These two characters play a prominent role throughout the story, always accompanying Faustus when he needs advice on choosing a course of action, and thus symbolizing the divided will within Faustus, part of which wishes to do good and part of which is already corrupt to sink in to the sin that is constantly presented to him. The good angel often presents him with a path that is sure to lead him to heaven; while on the other…