Discuss Dr.Faustus as a play in the English Morality tradition. [British Drama]
"Doctor Faustus" by Christopher Marlowe is often considered a play within the English Morality tradition. Morality plays were a popular form of drama in medieval England, which sought to instruct audiences on the dangers of sin and the importance of leading a virtuous life.
In "Doctor Faustus", the titular character is a learned man who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for unlimited knowledge and worldly power. The play is structured as a morality play, with Faustus being visited by various allegorical figures, such as Good and Evil Angels, who urge him to repent and save his soul.
The play's use of allegory and its focus on the consequences of sin and the importance of redemption align with the themes and conventions of the Morality tradition. Additionally, the play's focus on the struggle between good and evil, and the idea that individuals are ultimately responsible for their own actions, further supports its classification as a Morality play.
However, it should be noted that "Doctor Faustus" also deviates from the traditional conventions of Morality plays in important ways. Marlowe's use of language and character development are more sophisticated than in traditional Morality plays, and the play is notable for its exploration of the individual psyche and its questioning of the nature of sin and redemption.
In conclusion, "Doctor Faustus" can be considered a play within the English Morality tradition, as it features many of the themes and conventions commonly associated with Morality plays, including the focus on the dangers of sin and the importance of redemption. However, Marlowe's use of sophisticated language and character development, and his exploration of the individual psyche, set the play apart from traditional Morality plays.