Many things are said about Christopher Marlowe, a playwright who died at the age of 29 in a pub in Deptford mysteriously. People say he used to be a spy for the British government and an atheist whose death was “God’s justice on a sinner”. ”A blasphemer who had “denied God and his son Christ … affirming our Saviour to be but a deceiver … and the holy Bible but vain and idle stories”. Whether there is any truth in theses accusations cannot be answered, but although we do not know whether Marlowe was an atheist, it is for sure that Marlowe got in touch with religion quite intensive. This term paper shall point out how Christopher Marlowe dealt with the topic Christianity in Dr. Faustus. As it is clear, that a play that deals with God and the devil cannot leave Christian theology out, particular notes shall be written about the matters of the negative approach towards Christianity, the subject of repentance and the issue how the purgatory is being demonstrated in the play. Therefore examples for these topics will be shown and commented on.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Christianity in Doctor Faustus
2.1 Negative allusions to Christianity in Doctor Faustus
2.2 Purgatory for Doctor Faustus
2.3 The Option of Repentance
3. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Topics
This academic paper examines how Christopher Marlowe integrates Christian theology and the religious conflicts of the Reformation into his play "Doctor Faustus," specifically focusing on the tension between Protestant and Catholic doctrines regarding salvation and the afterlife.
- Analysis of negative religious allusions used by characters like Mephistopheles.
- Examination of the concept of purgatory within the context of the Reformation.
- Investigation into the theological debate between Calvinist predestination and Catholic repentance.
- Exploration of Faustus' struggle with faith and his eventual inability to find salvation.
Excerpt from the Book
2.1 Negative allusions to Christianity in Doctor Faustus
“MEPHISTOPHELES For when we hear one rack the name of God, abjure the Scriptures and his Saviour Christ, we fly in hope to get his glorious soul, […] Therefore, the shortest cut for conjuring is stoutly to abjure the Trinity.” (3.47 - 55)
As Mephistopheles points out, “the shortest cut for conjuring is stoutly to abjure the Trinity”. In this case Faustus associates the trinity with something evil, by making a sign of the cross to bless his conjuration. An act, which is absolutely blasphemous, as also holy water was used. Later in the play the signing of a cross is mentioned again.
“The pope crosseth himself. FAUSTUS What, are you crossing of yourself? Well, use that trick no more, I would advise you. [The POPE] cross[es himself] again. Well, there’s a second time. Aware the third, I give you fair warning. [The POPE] cross[es himself] again, and FAUSTUS hits him a box of the ear, and they all [except FAUSTUS and MEPHISTOPHELES] run away.” (8.76 - 83)
This time it is Faustus himself who cannot stand the blessing with the finger anymore; the number of crossings is probably a double allusion to the trinity. Faustus sees it as a trick the Pope tries to use and waits for the third crossing until he reacts. One can think in this scene, that the scholar developed an aversion to this ritual and religious act.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: Outlines the historical context of Christopher Marlowe and his engagement with religious themes, setting the stage for the analysis of Christian elements in his work.
2. Christianity in Doctor Faustus: Provides a theological foundation regarding Christian sacraments and symbols that are prevalent throughout the play.
2.1 Negative allusions to Christianity in Doctor Faustus: Investigates how characters like Mephistopheles subvert holy symbols and rituals to reflect an anti-Christian stance.
2.2 Purgatory for Doctor Faustus: Examines the conflicting views on purgatory during the Reformation and how these debates are mirrored in the play's narrative.
2.3 The Option of Repentance: Explores the clash between Calvinist predestination and Catholic ideals of salvation through repentance, as demonstrated by Faustus' internal struggle.
3. Conclusion: Summarizes how the play serves as a construct of the religious conflicts of Marlowe's time, noting that while the existence of God is not denied, the characters struggle with the implications of Christian theology.
Keywords
Christopher Marlowe, Doctor Faustus, Christianity, Reformation, Protestantism, Catholicism, Purgatory, Repentance, Predestination, Mephistopheles, Theology, Sacraments, Salvation, Blasphemy, Calvinism.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper examines how Christopher Marlowe incorporates Christian theology, Protestant-Catholic conflicts, and Reformation-era religious debates into his play "Doctor Faustus."
What are the primary themes explored?
The work focuses on the nature of repentance, the debate over purgatory, the theological conflict of predestination versus free will, and the use of blasphemous allusions.
What is the central research question?
The paper seeks to understand how Marlowe utilizes Christian concepts and the tensions between different Christian denominations to shape the narrative and character development in the play.
Which scientific methods were applied?
The author uses a literary and theological analysis approach, referencing primary biblical and reformation-era sources alongside textual evidence from the play to support arguments.
What does the main body cover?
It details the negative usage of Christian symbols, the interpretation of purgatory in various Christian denominations, and the dramatic tension between Faustus' desire to repent and the doctrine of predestination.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Christopher Marlowe, Doctor Faustus, Reformation, Purgatory, Repentance, Predestination, Theology, and Mephistopheles.
Does the author consider Faustus to be in purgatory during the play?
The author notes that while there are allusions suggesting Faustus might be in a state of purgatory during his lifetime, Marlowe ultimately leaves this interpretation open to the audience.
How does the paper differentiate between the Catholic and Calvinist perspectives on Faustus' fate?
It highlights that for the Calvinists, Faustus' fate is predestined, making repentance impossible; conversely, the Catholic view suggests he fails to earn salvation because his repentance is insincere and inconsistent.
- Quote paper
- Alexander Häuser (Author), 2009, Christianity in Doctor Faustus, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/143802
