A note on
the text
Two
editions of this play exist published after Marlowe’s death in 1593.
Each is
debated as being closest to the original. No original copy has ever been found.
The A text is the earliest published in 1604. It is significantly shorter than
the B text (1616 lines) but contains extra material.
Doctor
Faustus - a talented well respected academic - grows frustrated as he
contemplates how to take his learning further. He considers philosophy,
medicine, law and theology but then turns to magic. Angels appear to tempt or
dissuade him. His friends Valdes and Cornelius (also magicians) offer to teach
him about the black arts. Wagner his servant also joins in.
Mephistopheles
– Lucifer‘s servant - appears. Despite Mephistopheles‘ warnings about the
horrors of damnation and hell Faustus agrees a pact where he sells his soul for
twenty four years of power and magic skills with Mephistopheles as his servant.
Once
Faustus has made his pact scenes of conjuring and tricks alternate with scenes
of self doubt. Two related subplots, Wagner, Faustus‘ servant and Rafe and
Robin, mirror the main plot as the comic characters attempt to use magic to
gain power and wealth.
Faustus and Mephistopheles travel Europe and finally return home.
As the hour approaches, Faustus contemplates his fate, he is fearful and
frenzied regretful of his choices. As he begs God to give him mercy, pledging
to burn his books, the devils take him away to hell, when he must fulfil his
contract.