Choruses – what is the importance of these speeches in Dr. Faustus?

Choruses – what is the importance of these speeches in Dr. Faustus?

The essential function of the chorus speeches are as a commentary, an

omnipotent voice which observes Faustus’s actions, clarifies his

character and by foreseeing his change in fortunes, heightens the

anticipation of the audience. Also, rather like dressing Mephastoples

in a Friar costume, the chorus speeches are a practical device used by

Marlowe to communicate aspects of the play which are simply impossible

to perform on stage. Thus, they have particular significance from a 16th

century perspective, as the theatre would not have had the elaborate

lighting and stage sets to demonstrate a change in scenery as

audiences are used to today.

The chorus speeches are made at various times throughout the play,

linking the dramatic scenes together. They are therefore crucial to

the structure, as without them, the audience would not have the same

sense of exactly how Faustus is using his powers as time passes or

indeed, fully understand the progressing danger he is in.

The opening chorus is essential is introducing the audience to

Fausts’s character, the themes of the play and to a certain extent the

morals Marlowe intended to convey. By speaking directly to the

audience, the chorus brings them into the play, laying down the

foundations of the essential plot. Saying this, the opening lines are

not about Doctor Faustus itself but rather ironically about what the

play is not going to entail. This however, has the effect of drawing

in audience as the descriptions of the ‘alternative’ plays are

presented as epic and intriguing in themselves:

‘Nor, in the pomp of proud audacious deeds’

The power of this line is emphasised by the alliterative...

... middle of paper ...

...rue of the final,

emphatic chorus, which in a way shows us that Faustus wasted his

talents:

‘’Cut is the branch that might have grown full straight.’’ gives the

impression that despite his ambitions, Faustus had unfulfilled his

potential and could have used his skills to help others instead of for

selfish reasons.

Although for it’s time the essential themes of the play seem quite

forward thinking yet chourus speeches were not an unheard of feature

in 16th century England. They had been preciously used in Morality

Plays so Marloew was arguably using a structure that had proved to be

a success. However, by having a chorus directly speaking to the

audience there is increased communication between the audience and the

actors on stage and is simply a simple yet effective way to connect

the scenes together and eliminate any confusion the audience may have.