“Justification of Doctor Faustus Death;A Classical and Modern

Point of View.”
Literature Review
Introduction
Christopher Marlowe's play "Doctor Faustus" stands as a seminal work in English literature, exploring
themes of ambition, knowledge, and the consequences of unchecked desire. Written between 1588 and 1593, it
draws upon the German legend of Faust, a scholar who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for knowledge and
power. Marlowe's depiction of Faustus' tragic overreaching of boundaries resonates with audiences through the ages,
as it delves into the internal conflict between intellect and damnation.In a review by the Atlanta Shakespeare
Company in 2009, their adaptation of "Doctor Faustus" offered a unique fusion of Marlowe's original text and
elements from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's rendition of the Faust legend. Despite occasional thematic
incoherence in staging, the production effectively illuminated Faustus' descent into regret and self-loathing,
highlighting his lack of autonomy and control over his fate. This adaptation likely brought a fresh perspective to
audiences by blending different interpretations of the Faustian theme, enriching the exploration of Faustus' inner
turmoil and moral dilemmas.Thomas Mann's novel "Doctor Faustus: The Life of the German Composer Adrian
Leverkühn as Told by a Friend" provides a contrasting yet equally profound examination of the Faustian theme.
Published in 1947, Mann's narrative delves into philosophical discourses on art, culture, theology, and the German
national character through the life story of Adrian Leverkühn, a fictional composer who makes a pact with the devil
for artistic genius. Mann's novel challenges readers with its depth and complexity, weaving together historical,
cultural, and metaphysical elements to create a compelling exploration of the Faustian bargain.Leverkühn's journey
serves as a metaphor for the moral and spiritual decay of Germany during the turbulent early 20th century. Through
his character, Mann probes the nature of creativity, the price of artistic brilliance, and the existential dilemmas faced
by individuals in a rapidly changing world. The novel's intricate narrative structure and rich symbolism invite
readers to ponder profound questions about the human condition and the pursuit of knowledge and power.both
Christopher Marlowe's "Doctor Faustus" and Thomas Mann's "Doctor Faustus: The Life of the German Composer
Adrian Leverkühn as Told by a Friend" offer captivating explorations of the Faustian theme, each from its own
unique perspective. Whether through Marlowe's theatrical tragedy or Mann's philosophical novel, the story of
Faustus continues to resonate with audiences, inviting reflection on the timeless themes of ambition, morality, and
the pursuit of knowledge and power.

Classical Perspective
In a classical perspective, Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe is viewed as a tragedy of transgression, depicting
Faustus' overreaching of boundaries, both natural and spiritual. The play, based on German stories about Faust, was
performed between 1588 and Marlowe's death in 1593. It explores Faustus' desire for knowledge and power, leading
him to make a pact with the devil. The powerful impact of early productions of the play is evident from the legends
surrounding them, including accounts of actual devils appearing on stage during performances . Marlowe's portrayal
of Faustus as a character torn between intellect and damnation, seeking fame, fortune, and power through his pact
with the devil, captivates readers with its blend of black magic and Christian tensions of the time. The play unfolds
with Faustus' internal conflict and his interactions with Mephistopheles, a demon who aids him in his damnation
while providing insights into religious tensions between Catholic and Protestant beliefs . Critics have found
interpreting the moral and theological framework of Doctor Faustus challenging. The play delves into themes of
ambition, temptation, and the consequences of one's choices, presenting Faustus as a tragic figure consumed by his
insatiable desire for glory and power. Marlowe's work continues to intrigue audiences with its exploration of human
nature and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

Modern Perspective
In a modern Prospective, Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe continues to resonate with audiences, offering a
reflection on contemporary values and societal dilemmas. The play portrays Faustus as a thoroughly modern man, a
gifted student who rejects conventional paths like Law or Medicine for the pursuit of recognition and power. His
overconfidence and relentless pursuit of knowledge mirror the ambition and arrogance prevalent in today's society.
Critics have explored various interpretations of Faustus' character in light of modern perspectives. Some view
Faustus' downfall as stemming from his arrogance and refusal to accept responsibility, akin to contemporary
individuals who prioritize personal desires over ethical considerations. Others analyze Faustus' inability to repent as
a reflection of his stubborn independence, symbolizing a defiance against societal norms and consequences. The
enduring appeal of Doctor Faustus lies in its ability to adapt to different contexts and provoke discussions on themes
such as ambition, morality, and the consequences of unchecked desires. Faustus' tragic story serves as a cautionary
tale that transcends time, inviting audiences to reflect on the complexities of human nature and the perils of
unrestrained ambition in both historical and modern settings.

Comparative Analysis
When comparing the classical and modern perspectives on Doctor Faustus'death, it becomes evident that while the
core themes remain constant, the emphasis and interpretation of those themes have evolved over time. Classical
interpretations highlight moral and theological aspects, emphasizing divine justice and the dangers of ambition. On
the other hand, modern perspectives focus more on psychological and existential themes, exploring Faustus' internal
struggles and societal critiques.

In a classical analysis of Doctor Faustus' death, we can examine it through the lens of classical tragedy, drawing
upon the principles established by ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle.According to Aristotle's Poetics, a tragic hero
must possess certain qualities that lead to their downfall.

 Hamartia: Faustus's tragic flaw or hamartia is his insatiable thirst for knowledge and power. His ambition
and desire to transcend the limitations of humanity ulimately lead him to make a pact with the devil.
  Hubris: Faustus's hubris is his excessive pride and arrogance in believing he can outwit the forces of evil.
He ignores the warnings and advice of others, including the Good Angel and the Old Man, and remains
steadfast in his pursuit of forbidden knowledge.
 Anagnorisis: Faustus experiences a moment of anagnorisis, a realization of his own mistakes and the
consequences of his actions. As his allotted time with Mephistopheles draws to a close, he recognizes the
gravity of his decision and the eternal damnation that awaits him.
 Catharsis: Faustus's tragic death evokes feelings of pity and fear in the audience, as Aristotle suggests
tragedy should. The audience witnesses the consequences of Faustus's choices and is left to reflect on the
dangers of unchecked ambition and the limitations of human existence.

In a modem analysis of Doctor Faustus' death, we can explore the themes and interpretations that resonate with
contemporary audiences.

 Existential Angst: Faustus's quest for knowledge and power reflects existential themes prevalent in modern
literature. His yeaming to transcend the human condition and. unlock the mysteries of the universe
resonates with the existentialist idea of the individual's search for meaning in a seemingly absurd wortd.
 Moral Responsibility: Modern analysis may emphasize the moral responsibility of Faustus for his actions.
Rather than solely blaming external forces ike the devil, attention may be placed on Faustus's free will and
the choices he made. This perspective invites a deeper exploration of personal accountability and the
consequences of one's decisions.
 Loss of Individuality: Faustus's pact with the devil can be seen as a metaphor for the loss of individuality
and autonomy in modern society. His surrender to the allure of power and instant gratification parallels the
dangers of conformity and the erosion of personal values in a consumerist culture.
 Psychological Dimensions: A modern analysis may delve into the psychological aspecds of Faustus's
character. His intenal struggles, inner conficts, and the psychological torment he endures can be examined
through the lens of human psychology, shedding light on themes of guilt, regret, and the complexities of
the human psyche.

Overall, while a classical analysis of Doctor Faustus' death emphasizes the adherence to Aristotelian principles of
tragedy, a modern analysis explores the play's relevance to contemporary themes and psychological interpretations.
Both perspectives offer valuable insights into the character's downfall and the enduring power of the play's themes.

Conclusion
The conclusion of Doctor Faustus encapsulates the tragic fate of Faustus, a scholar who makes a pact
with the devil for knowledge and power. As the play nears its end, Faustus remains steadfast in his
pursuit of damnation, despite moments of doubt and fear. The appearance of Lucifer, accompanied by
Beelzebub and Mephistophilis, serves as a chilling reminder of Faustus' impending doom and the
consequences of his choices. Throughout the play, Faustus grapples with internal conflicts and moral
dilemmas, showcasing the complexities of human nature and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
Despite fleeting moments of regret and attempts at repentance, Faustus ultimately succumbs to his
desires and faces the tragic consequences of his pact with the devil. The conclusion highlights Faustus'
tragic downfall as a cautionary tale about the perils of hubris and the pursuit of power at any cost. In a
comparative analysis with other literary works like Goethe's Faust, Faustus emerges as a complex figure
who embodies the archetype of the tragic hero. While Faustus' story ends in damnation and despair,
other interpretations of the Faustian legend offer glimpses of redemption and personal growth. This
comparative lens sheds light on how different authors explore similar themes of ambition, morality, and
fate through distinct narrative approaches. The conclusion of Doctor Faustus serves as a poignant
reminder of the consequences of Faustus' choices and the inevitability of his tragic fate. Through
collaborative analysis and diverse perspectives, teams can delve deeper into the nuances of Faustus'
character, the play's thematic richness, and its enduring impact on literature and philosophical
discourse. The conclusion encapsulates Faustus' ultimate destiny, leaving audiences with a profound
reflection on human nature, ambition, and the eternal struggle between good and evil within each
individual.