Discuss Doctor Faustus as essentially a Renaissance tragedy. (MEG 103) (THE RENAISSANCE AND REFORMATION IN DOCTOR FAUSTUS)

"Doctor Faustus" is widely considered as one of the greatest tragedies in the English language. It is a play that reflects the values and concerns of the Renaissance period, and as such, can be seen as essentially a Renaissance tragedy. The play's central themes, characters, and dramatic techniques all reflect the values and ideas of the Renaissance period.

One of the central themes of the play is the quest for knowledge and power. This is a key concern of the Renaissance period, which was marked by a renewed interest in classical learning and a belief in the power of the individual. Faustus, the protagonist of the play, is driven by a desire for knowledge and power, and his quest ultimately leads him to damnation. The play explores the consequences of unchecked ambition and serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride.

Another key feature of "Doctor Faustus" that reflects the Renaissance period is the use of classical allusions and references. Marlowe, the playwright, was highly educated and well-versed in the classics, and he used this knowledge to infuse the play with a sense of intellectualism and sophistication. The play's language is highly poetic and rich in imagery, and its characters are often defined by their intellectual and cultural pursuits.

In addition, the play's portrayal of the conflict between reason and faith reflects the tensions of the Renaissance period. The Renaissance was a time of great intellectual upheaval, and many thinkers and scholars were questioning the authority of the Church and the role of faith in society. Faustus's struggle with the concept of damnation and his attempts to reason his way out of his pact with the devil reflect this tension between reason and faith.

Finally, the play's use of tragedy as a means of moral instruction is a key feature of the Renaissance period. Renaissance thinkers believed that tragedy could serve as a powerful tool for education and moral improvement, and "Doctor Faustus" is no exception. The play is a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and ambition, and it uses Faustus's tragic fate as a warning to others about the consequences of making deals with the devil.

In conclusion, "Doctor Faustus" can be seen as essentially a Renaissance tragedy. The play's central themes, characters, and dramatic techniques all reflect the values and concerns of the Renaissance period. Its exploration of the quest for knowledge and power, its use of classical allusions and references, its portrayal of the conflict between reason and faith, and its use of tragedy as a means of moral instruction all highlight the play's Renaissance roots.