Christianity in Doctor Faustus

Term Paper , 2009 , 14 Pages , Grade: 1,3

Didactics for the subject English - Literature, Works

Many things are said about Christopher Marlowe, a playwright who died at the age of 29 in a pub in Deptford mysteriously. People say he used to be a spy for the British government and an atheist whose death was “God’s justice on a sinner”. ”A blasphemer who had “denied God and his son Christ … affirming our Saviour to be but a deceiver … and the holy Bible but vain and idle stories”. Whether there is any truth in theses accusations cannot be answered, but although we do not know whether Marlowe was an atheist, it is for sure that Marlowe got in touch with religion quite intensive. This term paper shall point out how Christopher Marlowe dealt with the topic Christianity in Dr. Faustus. As it is clear, that a play that deals with God and the devil cannot leave Christian theology out, particular notes shall be written about the matters of the negative approach towards Christianity, the subject of repentance and the issue how the purgatory is being demonstrated in the play. Therefore examples for these topics will be shown and commented on.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Christianity in Doctor Faustus
  • Negative allusions to Christianity in Doctor Faustus
  • Purgatory for Doctor Faustus
  • The Option of Repentance
• Conclusion

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This term paper examines the role of Christianity in Christopher Marlowe's play Doctor Faustus. It explores how Marlowe utilizes Christian themes and doctrines within the play, focusing on the negative portrayal of Christianity, the concept of repentance, and the depiction of purgatory.

• The negative representation of Christianity in Doctor Faustus
• The exploration of repentance and its implications for Faustus's fate
• The portrayal of purgatory in the play
• Marlowe's use of Christian symbolism and rituals
• The interplay between religious beliefs and the pursuit of knowledge and power

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The introduction provides background information on Christopher Marlowe and his life, highlighting his potential connection to religious themes in his works. It also discusses the historical context of the English Reformation and its influence on Marlowe's plays.

The chapter on "Christianity in Doctor Faustus" delves into the play's exploration of Christian themes and doctrines. It examines the use of sacraments and rituals, particularly baptism and the signing of the cross, and their significance in the play's context. It also analyzes the negative connotations associated with Christianity through the characters of Mephistopheles and Lucifer.

The section on "Negative allusions to Christianity in Doctor Faustus" focuses on the play's critical portrayal of Christian rituals and beliefs. It explores the use of holy water, the sign of the cross, and the sacrament of matrimony as tools of manipulation and deception by the devilish forces. It also examines the characters' aversion to religious discussions and the rejection of God's authority.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This term paper explores the themes of Christianity, Protestantism, religion, and the devil in Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus. It examines the play's negative portrayal of Christian rituals and beliefs, the concept of repentance, and the depiction of purgatory. Key concepts include sacraments, holy water, the sign of the cross, marriage, the Trinity, and the relationship between knowledge, power, and faith.

• College: University of Augsburg (Lehrstuhl für Englische Literaturgeschichte)
• Course: The Other Shakespeare - The Works and Plays of Christopher Marlowe
• Grade: 1,3
• Author: Alexander Häuser (Author)
• Publication Year: 2009
• Pages: 14
• Catalog Number: V143802
• ISBN (eBook): 9783640529414
• ISBN (Book): 9783640529230
• Language: English
• Tags: Christianity, Doctor, Faustus