Would you call the character of Dr. Faustus ‘heroic’? Explain. [British Drama]

The character of Doctor Faustus in Christopher Marlowe's play "Doctor Faustus" is a complex and multifaceted figure, and whether or not he can be considered "heroic" depends on one's definition of heroism.

On one hand, Doctor Faustus is a highly intelligent and accomplished scholar, and he is initially depicted as a man who is dissatisfied with the limitations of traditional knowledge and seeks to expand his understanding of the world through magic and the supernatural. This quest for knowledge and understanding could be seen as a form of heroism, as he is willing to take risks and challenge the status quo in pursuit of his goals.

However, Doctor Faustus is also depicted as selfish and egoistic, and his thirst for power and knowledge ultimately leads him to make a deal with the devil that results in his damnation. He ignores the warnings of friends and the warnings of the devil himself, and his pride and desire for greatness ultimately lead to his downfall.

Furthermore, his tragic ending and the fact that he ultimately ends up in hell could be seen as evidence that he is not a hero. In traditional definitions of heroism, the hero is someone who strives for good and is ultimately rewarded for their efforts. Doctor Faustus, on the other hand, is punished for his choices and his desire for knowledge and power.

In conclusion, the character of Doctor Faustus is not an easy figure to categorize as "heroic" or not. While he possesses qualities that could be seen as heroic, such as his thirst for knowledge and his willingness to challenge the status quo, his egoism, selfishness, and ultimate damnation suggest that he cannot be considered a hero in the traditional sense. Rather, he is a complex and flawed figure who represents the dangers of pride and the consequences of making deals with the devil.