Doctor Faustus Vocabulary Flashcards

A set of flashcards focusing on specific terms, literary references, and magical objects mentioned in the dialogue from Doctor Faustus.

Canonize

The status all nations will grant Faustus, Valdes, and Cornelius according to Valdes, using books, wit, and experience.

Subjects of every element

Spirits or beings that Cornelius claims will be 'always serviceable' to the three men.

Lapland giants

Creatures that Cornelius suggests will trot by their sides as a result of their magical power.

Venice argosies

Huge merchant ships that Cornelius claims spirits will drag from Venice.

America the golden fleece

A reference to treasure or wealth that Valdes says 'yearly stuffs old Philip's treasury.'

Delphian oracle

An ancient source of prophecy that Cornelius references when discussing the spirits' capabilities.

Bacon's and Abanus' works

Specific books Valdes instructs Faustus to bear to a solitary grove for magic.

Hebrew Psalter

A text of the Psalms in Hebrew that Valdes says Faustus needs for their magical work.

Words of art

The specific magical instructions or incantations Cornelius tells Valdes he must first teach to Faustus.

Rudiments

The basic principles or elementary steps Valdes will instruct Faustus in before Faustus becomes 'perfecter' than Valdes.

January grapes

The out-of-season fruit Faustus presents to the Duchess, which the Duke finds a wonder given it is the 'dead time of winter.'