The Affects of the Middle Ages and Renaissance on Doctor Faustus
The word renaissance comes from the French language meaning "rebirth". This rebirth of man may have been caused by the broadening horizons of man's geography and knowledge. This time period was marked by legendary explorers such as John Cabot, Vasco de Gama, Balboa, Magellan Hernando Cortes. Scientists also made great strides during this time period: Nicolas Copernicus developed the theory that planets orbit around the sun, Galileo was the first person to see the sky with a telescope, and later, Sir Isaac Newton invented calculus, formulated the three laws of motion and proposed the concept of gravity. Where previously in the medieval period most people studied divinity, the renaissance turns to the studies of politics, society and Greek. With these newfound studies religion played less of role in peoples lives. The favored qualities in a person moved from being religious to having a wide variety of skills and knowledge from the arts and sciences. Literature became a pro!fession as the printing press was developed. The change from one set of beliefs to another was not instantaneous, and was not accepted by all people. During the period of transition, there was much tension between the church and the English government and
In conclusion it was out of desperation of attainting the joys of heaven that Faustus turns to the demonic powers as a substitute. Mephistopheles proves himself to be not the resource of renaissance knowledge, in a monk's image that Faustus had assumed him to be, and also a soul thirsty demon that he first appeared as. Faustus fails to create his own identity with the demonic powers. With a lack of identity, Faustus must model his own new life after the Christian one he used to lead. Using Christianity as a model many parallels become apparent in his demonic religion, but as a substitute, it does not satisfy his desires. Not only does Faust's religion become a parallel to Christianity, he himself becomes a parallel to Christianity's most prevalent figures, Adam and Judas. Adam and Faustus perform to same sin of pride and Judas and Faustus perform the same sin of despair. Faustus is given numerous opportunities to repent, but Mephistopheles, who now controls Faustus by fe! After turning away from God Faustus feels a lack of identity. Faustus previously relied on both renaissance and medieval ideals to guide him but when in search of guidance through God he is not comforted. Faustus is forced to turn away from Christianity; this leaves Faustus without a part of himself and a part of his identity as a man. This lack of identity may be linked the Reformation. " Calvinistic Protestants 'had to cope... with God's terrifying, inclusive justice..." (Campbell in McAdam 117). This Protestant thinking may be exemplified when Faustus says, "Ay, and Faustus will turn to God again. / To God? He loves thee not"(Marlowe 38). Faustus tries to return to his medieval beliefs that God will save him. Faustus then quickly remembers his previous findings in the bible. God ar, prevents Faustus from repenting which leads to Faustus's tormented soul. Contrary to Faustus's belief, Faustus may had the opportunity to repent and it is evident by the great energy that Mephistopheles expends to keep Faustus content and occupied to make sure that he does not ponder that issue. Faustus: Sweet Mephistopheles, tell me. McAlindon, Thomas. Doctor Faustus: Divine in Show. New York: Twayne Publishers, 1994.
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Approximate Word count = 2076
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)
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