Dr Faustus Scene Summaries

Act 1 Scene 1

Faustus is considering how best to extend his learning. He considers many new topics he should study and become an expert in, such as a philosopher, a physician or lawyer (status and fortune), or a priest (higher power). Faustus specifically quotes the bible to argue its hypocrisy - we all sin, yet the punishment for sin death.
Faustus picks up a 'heavily' black magic book after concluding that he wants 'divinity'. He desires the fame, fortune, status, pleasures and God-like power from conjuring evil spirits. Despite the Good Angel's warnings of temptation, sin and damnation, Faustus listens to the Evil Angel and daydreams of his desires. Faustus explains his plans to his good friends Valdes and Cornelius, who further tempt him into danger for their own selfish profit.

Act 1 Scene 2

Faustus' fellow scholars have noticed his absence and ask his servant, Wagner where he is. Wagner comically parallels Faustus' moral corruption by telling them "God in heaven knows", but eventually admits that Faustus is dining with the infamous Valdes and Cornelius. The scholars are immediately alarmed for the safety of his soul, claiming "even if he were a stranger" they would grief for him

Act 1 Scene 3

Faustus starts to conjure within a circle. He succeeds in raising the devil Mephistopheles (a minister of Lucifer), who appears at first in devil form then dressed as a friar.Whilst Faustus congratulates himself on his conjuring abilities, Mephistopheles informs him that he simply appeared heard someone abjuring the bible and (being a devil) arrived in hope of securing his soul. Mephistopheles says he is a servant of Lucifer and therefore cannot serve Faustus, who then asks Mephistopheles about Lucifer and Hell.
Mephistopheles explains the fall and that he is eternally damned with Lucifer, and he describes Hell as everywhere, but rejects more frivolous questions. Faustus chides Mephistopheles for being so passionate about his deprival of the joys of heaven and sends him back to Lucifer, offering to exchange his soul for 24 years of pleasure and power, with Mephistopheles carrying out his every command.

Act 1 Scene 4

Wagner calls Robin to him, using "Sirrah" which Robin protests. When asked if he has incomings, Robin replies that his expenditures are obvious, considering his threadbare clothes. However, Wagner knows Robin is unemployed and starving and claims he would sell his soul for meat (Faustus parody).
Wagner offers him servitude for seven years, comments that he needs flea powder, and threatens painful torments of chronic lice if he does not agree. Robin jests that his lice already feed on him like paying customers. Wagner tricks Robin with two coins, then has two devils arrive to convince and terrify him, Robin asks to send them away. Finally, Robin agrees as long as Wagner agrees to teach him to conjure

Act 2 Scene 1

Faustus wavers between God and Lucifer and the good and bad angels contend for his soul again. Mephistopheles enters with an agreement from Lucifer, if Faustus signs a deed in blood. When Faustus questions the use of his soul, Mephistopheles replies that Lucifer wants to enlarge his kingdom.
Faustus' blood congeals and he begins to worry about this as Mephistopheles fetches hot coals to liquefy it. Aside, Mephistopheles reveals his devilish plans that he will do anything to "obtain" Faustus' soul. After signing the document, a concerning message ("man, flee") appears on Faustus' arm, so Mephistopheles fetches a parade of devils to distract him. Faustus clarifies the agreement, before questioning where hell is again and laughing at the concept of eternal torture as a "fable".
Mephistopheles protests Faustus' request for a "wife" (marriage is ordained by God) but brings him a devil dressed as a woman. Mephistopheles says he could have any woman he wants. Mephistopheles gives Faustus a spell book and, to Mephistopheles' annoyance, Faustus requests another book.

Act 2 Scene 3

Faustus tells Mephistopheles he renounces magic and will repent. Good Angel encourages him, but Evil Angel says he is already a spirit/devil. Faustus acknowledges that it is too late to repent and asks Mephistopheles to debate astrology with him. They discuss the spheres of Heaven and when Mephistopheles' exits, Faustus curses him and again questions if its not too late to repent. The Good Angel urges him to, whilst the Evil Angel says the devil will tear him apart.
Faustus mentioning God's name offends Lucifer, Beelzebub and Mephistopheles, who appear together remind him of the legal agreement. Faustus begs for pardon, promising to never ask God's help again. As a reward, Lucifer entertains him with the Seven Deadly Sins. Faustus is delighted and Lucifer agrees to send for him at midnight, giving him a shape shifting book and reminds him to think of the devil as he exits.

Act 3 Chorus

Wagner says that Faustus' has travelled to learn the geographical truth of the universe. He scaled Greece's highest mountain (home of the Gods) and has now arrived in Rome for the St. Peter's Day celebrations.

Act 3 Scene 1

Faustus describes the wonders he has seen and hopes they are welcome in Rome, but Mephistopheles retorts that in makes no difference, they will enter uninvited. At Faustus' request, Mephistopheles makes him invisible with a spell so he can humiliate the Pope, who enters with the Cardinal and Friars at the sound of a trumpet.
The pope hears Faustus' voice telling him to begin the feast, but the Friars dismiss his fears. Faustus grabs a 'dainty dish' from the Pope, then another and a cup. The cardinal suggests it is a Ghost from purgatory. The Pope prays and crosses himself thrice before Faustus boxes his ear and runs away. As the Frairs start singing an exorcism, they flee throwing fireworks.

Act 3 Scene 2

Robin and Rafe enter with the book and goblet. The tavern's Vintner demands they return the stolen Goblet. Robin pleads innocence as the Vintner searches him, then whilst Rafe if searched, he passes the Goblet to Robin. Robin fakes outrage at the Vintner's accusation, but accidentally tells Rafe out loud that he's passing the goblet again. In a panic, Robin tries to curse the Vintner and accidently summons Mephistopheles. Terrified, they throw the Goblet after the fleeing Vintner and beg Mephistopheles forgiveness with coins and supper. The angered Mephistopheles turns Robin into an ape and Rafe a dog, which pleases them.

Act 4 Chorus

Having completed his travels, we are told Faustus returned to Germany where he was welcomed by admiring friends. Faustus' fame and skills have spread and the Emperor has invited him to court to perform his magic.

Act 4 Scene 1

The Emperor wants to see Faustus' infamous magic skills and asks for his ancestors Alexander the Great and his paramour, whilst the Knight is sceptical in an aside. Faustus informs that their true bodies are now dust, agrees to make their spirits appear as in life. Faustus becomes irritated with the exiting Knight's continuing sarcastic comments and swears to meet with him later. Mephistopheles reappears with the spirits and the Emperor is amazed by Faustus' conjuring accuracy, even including the lady's wart. Faustus asks the Emperor to send for the Knight, who returns with horns, furious and cursing. Faustus asserts that his punishment was just, but removes the horns at the Emperor's request, who exits promising Faustus' reward.
After contemplating death, Faustus encounters a horse dealer wanting to buy his horse. With Mephistopheles' judgement, Faustus accepts a lower price of 40 dollars, but warns the man not to ride the horse through water. In an aside, the dealer states that he will never sell the horse and keep him for breeding. Faustus contemplates damnation again and falls asleep, then the dealer re-enters complaining to Mephistopheles of the horse disappearing in a pond. He insists to wake up Faustus so they trick the dealer into pulling Faustus' leg off, who runs away terrified to retrieve 40 dollars more. Wagner enters with an invitation from the Duke of Vanholt.

Act 4 Scene 2

The Duke is pleased by a magic show Faustus has performed. Faustus asks the pregnant Duchess is she craves a particular delicacy and she desires grapes. Mephistopheles fetches them to the Duchess' delight and confusion. Faustus explains that they were brought from a country where it is summer. The Duchess exclaims that she is in Faustus' debt and the Duke leads him to his reward.

Act 5 Scene 1

Wagner thinks his master might die soon, because he has given his possessions to Wagner, is drinking heavily and feasting. The scholars have concluded Helen of Troy the most beautiful woman and request Faustus conjure her - she passes the stage led by Mephistopheles. As they exit, an Old Man appears, begging Faustus renounce necromancy and repent. Faustus despairs at his crimes and believes he should kill himself - Mephistopheles gladly hands him dagger. The Old Man prevents this and says an angel is above his head.
Faustus is comforted by his words, which infuriates Mephistopheles, who demands he reaffirm his pact with Lucifer in blood. Once swayed again, Faustus requires distraction and asks Mephistopheles for Helen, who stuns him with her beauty. The Old Man despairs at Faustus' sexual relationship with this devil in Helen's form. Faustus asks for devils to be sent to menace the old man, who passes this test of faith.

Act 5 Scene 2

The scholars ask what worries Faustus and he tells them that he committed a deadly sin. They again encourage him call on God, so he admits he has sold his soul to Lucifer for "vain pleasure". The Scholars agree to pray for him in an adjoining room until morning, before saying Farewell.
At 11pm, Faustus asks time to slow down and believes he sees the salvation of Christ's blood, which disappears when he asks Lucifer to spare him. Faustus searches for a way to hide from God's wrath, or to ascend to heaven. He begs for a shorter sentence that eternity and searches for any other alternative. At 12pm, Devil's enter and Faustus has terrifying visions of torment. Finally, he begs to adjure magic and calls to Mephistopheles - a curse or a cry for help - before the Devil's drag him away

Epilogue

We are remind of Faustus' wasted potential and "hellish fall" hoping it serves as a warning to not try to rise above God.