Discuss Doctor Faustus as a play in the English Morality Tradition. (MEG 103) (THE TRAGIC DRAMA OF DOCTOR FAUSTUS)

Doctor Faustus, written by Christopher Marlowe, is a play that can be considered as part of the English Morality Tradition. This tradition is characterized by plays that illustrate moral lessons through the use of allegorical characters, representing virtues and vices.

In Doctor Faustus, the protagonist, Faustus, is a brilliant scholar who is dissatisfied with his life and seeks knowledge beyond what is available to him. He turns to the study of necromancy, and through his pact with the devil, he gains the power to perform magical feats and attain great wealth and fame. However, his pursuit of knowledge and power ultimately leads to his downfall, and he is damned to an eternity in hell.

The play follows the structure of a morality play, with Faustus as a tragic hero who falls from grace due to his hubris and desire for power. The play presents a clear moral message, warning against the dangers of ambition and the temptation of worldly pleasures. Faustus's ultimate fate serves as a cautionary tale to the audience, emphasizing the importance of leading a virtuous life and avoiding the temptations of evil.

The use of allegorical characters is also evident in the play, with the character of Mephistopheles representing the devil and the Seven Deadly Sins personified in the form of characters such as Pride, Gluttony, and Lust. These characters serve as reminders of the dangers of indulging in these vices and the importance of living a virtuous life.

Furthermore, the play also features elements of the morality tradition, such as the use of comic scenes to provide relief from the tension of the tragic plot, and the inclusion of religious and moral themes. The play also incorporates elements of Christian doctrine, such as the belief in heaven and hell, the existence of angels and devils, and the importance of repentance and salvation.

In conclusion, Doctor Faustus can be considered a play in the English Morality Tradition. The play's structure, use of allegorical characters, moral message, and incorporation of religious themes are all hallmarks of this tradition. The play serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition and the temptations of evil, and its themes continue to be relevant to contemporary audiences.