Question

Explain how Marlowe creates meaning by associating Dr. Faustus’s magic with low humor. What are his intentions in doing so? Your answer should be at least 150 words.

Answer 1

Dr. Faustus is a story, created by Marlowe a contemporary of William Shakespeare, about a man who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for magician power. Using flexibility and and poetic effect in drama, some of the intentions of this autor in  creating meaning by associating Dr. Faustus magic are the following:

1. To follow the medieval practice of humorous, clownish and boisterous amusement  

2. To show how the three knowledges of medicine, law and theology can be joined in one.

3. To make an emphatic representation of the struggle between God and the devil for the fate of an individual human soul.

4. To create a contrast between illusion and reality through Faustus’ use of magic.

5. To oppose Faustus' desire for knowledge with his ignorance of God and morality.

6. To enhance black magic, greatly attracted by Faustus.

7. To show us the conflict between human aspiration and human limitation.