Docter Faustus Essay -- essays research papers

The faithfulness that ambition and desire for material objects does not always satisfy the reason is a major physical composition depicted in Christopher Marlowes animate Faustus. The poem on page 93, lines 96-113 is the essence of this theme. It describes Faustus meeting, what he believes, is the icon of paragon. This perfection is a mere human women, yet, to Faustus, she is worth his life. Marlowes use of phrase structure and diction, allusions and references, and separate literary devices throughout this monologue give support to the theme while adding rich symbolic images.&9The first example of diction in the monologue is the use of the saying, "the face that launched a thousand ships" (l. 96). This is a commonly applied expression when speaking about Helen of Troy. Throughout the play, Faustus fluctuates amongst the use of advanced and lesser vocabulary. Here, he is so shocked by Helens beauty that he knows nothing else but this typical phrase. This implies tha t Faustus is in a maintain of hypnosis. He is taken over by Helens beauty, and in the process, loses his consciousness. Another illustration of the trance Faustus is in, is by the use of head rhyme in the first two lines of the poem. This device causes the reader to read the lines more than slowly. The pronunciation of words in a moderate fashion suggests this trance, and makes the counterweight of the passage more comprehensible. In contrast to the first two lines, the dwell of the section can be read more easily and therefore, faster. a few(prenominal) caesuras are utilized in this part, making the paragraph flow better. The profligate pace of the these lines indicate excitement on Faustus part. If this is the case, it is understandable how he loses his soul without resistance. The last line is brought back to a slower pace. The word " paramour" lends itself to a laggard pronunciation, which enforces Faustus realization that his soul has been taken. This is all due to Marlowes choice of words and sentence structure. Because the reader can experience Faustus state of mind through the writing, they can relate to the upcoming circumstances. Faustus excitement of the destiny for the material aspects of life, lead to his downfall.&9Allusions and references also add to the comprehension and prescience of this piece. Many references are made to familiar Greek mythology characters, including Paris, Menelaus, Achilles, Jupiter, ... ...ted at as being a demon, their kiss makes him cursed. In the Catholic church, relations with a demon is unpardonable, and in turn kills any chance of Faustus being save by G-d. Because he wanted Helen for her material beauty, he had to sacrifice his soul. When he finally does sacrifice his life to Helen he gives a brief claim for help. He underestimates the damage he has done and screams, "Her lips suck forth my soul. delay where it flies" (l. 99) He returns to her asking her to kiss him again, soon forgett ing the damage he has done. This example of a litotie is contrasted with Faustus hyperbole of Helens magnificence. The juxtaposition of these concepts against each other prove that Faustus cared little for his spiritual body, and more for Helen the material body. &9Marlowes use of strong literary devices in lines 96-113 on page 93 greatly supported the theme that only striving for material objects exit only lead to harm. Faustus exemplified this theme in his Helen of Troy monologue, where he asked for her in return for his soul. In the end, Helen took Faustus soul, leaving him with neither, the material pleasures, nor a spiritually distinguish life.