The Tragic Downfall of Faustus in Tragical Histor of...

The Tragic Downfall of Faustus in Tragical Histor of Doctor Faustus Christopher Marlowe’s Tragical History of Doctor Faustus is about a man who seeks power that comes from knowledge beyond the human realm. Throughout the story, the seven deadly sins are shown and have an impact on Dr. Faustus during his search for ultimate power. However, it is one of these vices of the seven deadly sins that plays a particular and key role in his demise. Pride, creates Dr. Faustus’ inability to repent, therefore ultimately resulting in his death. â€Å"His fall is caused by the same pride and ambition that caused the fall of angels in heaven, and of humanity in the Garden of Eden† (Abrams 768). Faustus’ fall is foreshadowed during his first†¦show more content†¦Throughout the twenty-four year period in which Faustus has power and knowledge, his pride is constant and emerges in several scenes. Evidence of this threatening pride begins as early as the prologue when the chorus compares Dr. Faustus with Icarus, their similarity being vanity. CHORUS. Excelling, all whose sweet delight disputes In heavenly matters of theology. Till, swollen with cunning, of a self conceit, His waxen wings did mount above his reach, And melting heavens conspired his overthrow. (prologue,18-22) This excerpt suggests, that like Icarus, Dr. Faustus’ pride will lead to his overthrow. Other examples of Faustus’ arrogance are the scenes in which he comments on the things that the devil shows him. Several times in the play, Faustus remarks that hat Mephastophilis shows or tells him could easily be figured out by his own student, Wagner. FAUSTUS. Tush, these slender trifles Wagner can decide! (scene 5, 222) To make a statement such as that is egotistical, and typical of his character. Other statements that Dr. Faustus made in which his egotism is apparent are as follows: FAUSTUS. I charge thee to return and change thy shape, Thou art too ugly to attend on me; (scene 3, 23-24) FAUSTUS. Come, I think hell’s a fable. ............................................... Thinkest thou that Faustus is so fond to imagine That after this life there is