Overview

Faustus can be said to be a representation of the renaissance - for example as a master of multiple disciplines he is even known as a renaissance man. He represents human’s desire for power, even if this power should remain unreachable. Therefore, it can be considered a criticism of renaissance ideals.

Beliefs

• ‘Ransack the ocean for orient pearl, and search all corners of the new found world‘ - This is said in 1.1, a soliloquy while Faustus waits for Valdes and Cornelius. He shows his insane goals to the crowd in order to justify his own deeds. ‘ransack‘ is a violent term, showing that Faustus means to use his power in violent ways. ‘pearl‘ is a materialistic want, showing Faustus greed. Additionally, ‘new found world‘ links to the renaissance, showing that Faustus is aiming to achieve the power that all men are attempting to achieve, that his aims are not unique. Additionally, he accomplishes none of these things once he has achieved his power, showing that he is actually not that power. New-found world likely references the human desire for exploration during this time, through people such as Francis Drake.

• ‘learn thou of Faustus manly fortitude‘ - said by Faustus in 1.3 when Mephostophilis describes the punishments of hell to him. This tells us how selfish and prideful Faustus is, as he truly believes he is strong enough to withstand hell where Mephostophilis is not. It also shows him ignoring Mephostophilis warning, placing the blame on himself. Shows a humanistic view, that humans are stronger and more powerful than demons as they can choose their fates.

• ‘admir’d and wonder’d at his wit‘ - said in the second chorus. Shows Faustus pride, and how popular he has become since gaining his powers, even entertaining those above him in the Great Chain of Being. However, it is not his ‘wit‘, but the wit of the devils he has the contract with. Shows he has not earned what he has, and it is from the devils around him.

• ‘Resolve me then‘ - Said by Faustus to Mepho in 2.2 when Faustus questions him about astrology. Tells us that Faustus’ issues and questions are fixed by Mepho, at Mepho’s will. This is further emphasised by ‘move me not, Faustus‘ showing that Mepho controls what Faustus gets to learn, and therefore controls his thoughts.

Counter beliefs

• ‘reign sole king‘ - He said this during his second 1.1 soliloquy, while waiting for Valdes and Cornelius, which shows him preparing himself for their arrival. This is the highest a man can ever rise up the Great Chain of Being, showing that angels and God are untouchable. His desire to rise up the chain links to power as he can control the country, however becoming a King is only inherited, and a magician can not become a King. Additionally, the closest Faustus ever comes to becoming a King was when he entertained the German Emperor, where all he received was praise. Shows him wanting to climb the great chain of being, which renaissance ideals oppose.

• ‘A sound magician is a demi-God‘ - This is said during Faustus’ opening soliloquy in Act 1.1, showing him justifying his greed for power. Faustus believes that magic is the closest a mortal can get to God. ‘a sound‘ implies they must be mentally sound/ prepared. However, being mentally sound means you would not be able to sell your soul to Lucifer, as damnation is not a fate you would accept. This implies that no one can reach this demi-God status, as no one sane can become a magician. This is said during his opening soliloquy in Act 1.1, showing him justifying his greed for power. Shows him wanting to climb the great chain of being, which renaissance ideals oppose.

• ‘I saw him kneel‘ - this happens in 4.3, when Faustus is visiting the Emperor. This shows Faustus bowing to the Emperor, therefore admitting his power over him. The Emperor is just below angels on the Great Chain of Being, showing Faustus respects this chain, even as he aims to rebel against it. Therefore, his power has not meaningfully changed, as he stays below God, Lucifer, Emperor and other Lords. Shows him wanting to appease those above him, even though he should wish to be above them.

• ‘Whole cities have escaped the plague’ - Said by Faustus in his 1.1 soliloquy, showing his great accomplishments in the past. However, he does not address this in any measure than his success, not caring for the people he has saved. This tells us Faustus only cares about success and not others.