DOCTOR FAUSTUS: SUMMARY AND THEME HIGHLIGHTS

Faustus, despite having extensive knowledge on medicine, law, theology and logic
becomes discontented and decided to begin the practice of magic or necromancy. He
then summoned for the experts in the field of magic namely Valdes and Cornelius.
Upon their arrival, Faustus asked for their help in teaching him the fundamentals of
magic having made up his mind to go into magic.
After being instilled with different incantations, Faustus began to practice alone in his
study and suddenly summoned the master of devils, Mephostophilis. In his quest to
practice magic, Mephostophilis warned Faustus about the horror of hell. Instead,
Faustus brought up an offer that he will give his soul to Lucifer if Lucifer will grant
him 24 years of absolute power and full service of Mephostophilis.
Wagner, servant of Faustus somehow learnt a few tricks from his master and decided
to use it on a clown called Robin, who refused Wagner’s offer to be his servant for 27
years. After the sight of the devils, left with no choice, Robin accepted Wagner’s
offer.
Faustus in his study began to weigh his options to whether be with God or Beelzebub,
then comes the arrival of the good and bad angels. Each of them with their reasons
cajoling Faustus to follow his advise. Faustus seems more interested in the offer of the
bad angel. Mephostophilis arrived from hell with the approval of Lucifer to Faustus
offer. He was instructed to carve out his flesh in order to have a physical evidence
between him and Lucifer and there was an inscription on the hand, “Homo Fuge”.
This made Faustus to worry about his decision but Mephostophilis had to distract him
using the appearance of devils presenting Faustus with rich apparel alongside dance.
Mephostophilis then gave Faustus a book containing different aspect of spells.
Different scenarios of feeling being deceived by Mephostophilis had the angels
appearing again with their mission of convincing Faustus to follow his advise.
Left in the middle of whom advise to follow, Lucifer, Belzeebub and Mephostophilis
appeared to Faustus telling him he has no choice again than to be with them and they
brought him the seven deadly sins to have his full attention again.
Faustus alongside Mephostophilis, began to travel around the world. Appearing
invisible, they are at the pope’s courtroom. At the court, Bruno, the king of Germany
was about to be convicted. With his magic abilities, Faustus released Bruno. As if
that’s not enough, Faustus still went ahead to disturb the pope’s meal by snatching his
food and giving him a box to the ear.
Robin and Dick both stole a cup. Robin who happens to be a servant to Wagner learnt
few tricks of his magic and decided to use it on Vintner. In the process, summoned
Mephostophilis who later turned them both into animal when they both confessed that
the summoning was for jest.
Faustus then became famous and people are aware of what he his capable of doing.
Thus, he got an invite to the court by Charles, the German Emperor. The Emperor
then ask Faustus to make him see his ancestor, Great Alexander and his paramour
after Benvolio didn’t believe in his magic wonder. Faustus then did as told but
instructed the Emperor not to touch or speak to them as they are merely shadows.
During this course, Faustus pledged to make horns grow on Benvolio head if he was
able to accomplish what he was asked. Benvolio disgraced by the acts of Faustus
seeks to revenge by laying an ambush to kill Faustus. Having being immortal, Faustus
was unable to be killed by the Benvolio and his men and then was rashly punished by
Faustus.
Faustus then met with a man who pressured him into selling his horse for forty dollars.
Faustus did sell him the horse but instructed not to let the horse walk on water. Not
adhering to instructions, the horse did walk on water and then did turn into a bottle of
hay. Angrily returned to Faustus and pulled out his leg while he was asleep. Faustus
was then summoned by the Duke and Duchess of Vanholt who then instructed him to
fetch them ripe grapes, which he did. Then comes the arrival of his previous
offenders, each coming with their plaintive. Before any of them could speak fully on
what he has done to them, they were turned dumb.

Wagner noticed Faustus’s time is coming to an end. The scholars urged Faustus to
enable them see the most beautiful lady that has ever lived named Helen, which he
did. Then appeared onto Faustus an old man in the form of faith presenting to Faustus
the chance of repentance. But Faustus asked the old man to leave him in order to
allow him ponder on his sins. He then asked for the presence of Helen once again.
Faustus then explains what he did and what’s going to happen to him to the scholars
who then told him to pray to God. But he told them that there’s no time for that
anymore because the set time is near. The good and bad angel made their last
appearance with the bad angel happy Faustus listened to him while the good angel left
feeling sorry for him. Now in the eleventh hour, Faustus tries to kill his fears and beg
for mercy. As the clock struck twelve, the devil came and took his soul away. The
scholars then returned and met Faustus limbs and decided to give him a proper burial.

The themes recognized in this play are sin, quest for power, redemption and deceit