Dr Faustus Analysis

“The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus”, the tittle seems to say it all. Dr. Faustus is a bright mind, no doubt, a man who studies everything from medicine to law. Yet is still not content with the life he lives. Early on Faustus believes he has a bigger purpose to accomplish before the Curtin is pulled down on his life. However, as the play progresses it becomes much more difficult for the reader to truly understand Faustus and whether or not his intentions are good or bad. As bright of a man Faustus is, common sense is something the good doctor Seems to lack. Throughout the play there are three main aspects that seem to coincide with each other, temptation and the power it has over Faustus, trickery and how it 's not always humorous and

It 's obvious that throughout the play Faustus along with Mephastophilis play tricks on the likes of the Pope and the Horse-Courser as well. However, the tricks that are not humorous at all perhaps are the most significant to the play 's outcome. Throughout the play it seems like the relationship between Mephastophilis and Lucifer is unreliable to say the least, however the relationship they have with Faustus almost seems phony. Every time Faustus begins to regret his decision and speak to Christ “Ah, Christ, my Savior, Seek to save distresses Faustus Soul!”(2,3,87) Mephastophilis is the first to appear, warning him not to think about god as a result of their contract. To Faustus the deal he made is final and cannot be undone. The irony in all of this is perhaps to the reader it is evident that Faustus can indeed get out of his “legally binding” contract. It is also evident to Lucifer and Mephastophilis as well. That is why throughout the play they are constantly reminding Faustus that he is forbidden to think or speak of god. Lucifer was not the first to remind Faustus, but perhaps the clearest “Thou talk’st of Christ, contrary to thy promise.” (2,3,95) The fact of the matter is if there was truly no possible way to get out of the contract, then once it was signed, anytime Faustus would

It can be said that regret is obvious at the end of the play when Faustus in his final moments on earth before the clock strikes midnight cries out to the Lord, begging him for mercy “My God, my God, look not so fierce on me!” (5,2,120) Perhaps the biggest evidence of regret in this play is not with Faustus himself, but with Mephastophilis, servant to both Faustus and Lucifer. Right before Faustus signs the deed that will send his soul to Lucifer Mephastophilis urges Faustus to consider what he is about to do “But Faustus thou must write it in the manner of a dead of gift” This act of doubt that Mephastophilis shows, can be argued is the act of his own regret. Mephastophilis at one point in his life was put in the same position as Dr. Faustus a man who is tired of the life he lives and is tempted to give up everything for a limited time of power. The question that arises in this situation could be, does Mephastophilis warn Faustus being fully aware of what he is actually doing, or is there still a human side of him that doesn’t want to see the good doctor make the same mistake he once did? Mephastophilis perhaps in some ways shows compassion for Faustus and in few words tries to help him, but knows that deep down Faustus will indeed make the same mistake as he once