11 Questions
What is the genre of the play Doctor Faustus?
Tragedy
In what year was Doctor Faustus most likely written?
1592
What significant cultural movement spread to England during Elizabeth's reign?
The Renaissance
What is one way to approach the analysis of Doctor Faustus?
Comparing it with Shakespeare's tragedies
What is the recommended edition of Doctor Faustus to read?
The Mermaids edition of the A text
What should you consider when reading Doctor Faustus?
Your responses to the characters and events, and how they differ from what you have encountered in the Shakespeare plays you have already studied
What is the central dilemma facing European culture in Doctor Faustus, and what are the two opposing views that contribute to this dilemma?
The central dilemma is the tension between humanism and Christianity. Humanism assigns faith and pride in human potential and ability, while Christianity is God-centred.
How does the form of Doctor Faustus reflect the Renaissance clash between humanism and Christianity?
The play combines elements of medieval morality plays with the classical tragedy genre, borrowed from humanist inspirations, which may not be suitable for representing a Christian world.
What is the significance of Doctor Faustus being considered an early Renaissance tragedy?
It represents the cultural shift from medieval morality plays to classical tragedy, influenced by humanist ideas, and explores the possibility of Christian tragedy.
What is the contrast between the medieval and Renaissance worldviews in Doctor Faustus?
The medieval worldview was God-centred, whereas the Renaissance worldview, influenced by humanism, emphasized human potential and ability.
What is the implication of the play's tragic resolution in the context of Christian theology?
The tragic resolution raises questions about the possibility of Christian tragedy, as Christian doctrine typically implies redemption and a comic resolution.
Study Notes
Doctor Faustus and Renaissance Culture
- Doctor Faustus portrays the dilemma of European culture during the Renaissance, caught between humanism and Christianity.
- Humanism emphasized faith and pride in human potential, a concept unknown in medieval times.
- The play's structure exemplifies the clash between human-centered humanism and God-centered Christianity.
The Play's Genre
- Doctor Faustus combines elements of medieval morality plays with classical tragedy, a genre borrowed from classical literature.
- The play's tragic ending contrasts with the redeeming tone typical of Christian morality plays.
Marlowe's Context
- Christopher Marlowe wrote Doctor Faustus in the Elizabethan period, likely between 1588 and 1592.
- The play reflects the Renaissance humanist movement, which rejected medieval Christian traditions.
- Marlowe's work can be compared to Shakespeare's tragedies, also written during this period.
Learning Outcomes
- Students should be able to place Doctor Faustus in its historical and literary context.
- Students should analyze the play's content, themes, and ideas, as well as its characters and genre.
- Comparisons with Shakespeare's tragedies and other Elizabethan plays are encouraged.
Test your knowledge of Christopher Marlowe's play Doctor Faustus. Explore the context, themes, and characters of the play, and analyze extracts in detail. This quiz will assess your understanding of the plot, genres, and ideas presented in the play.
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