Examine Doctor Faustus as a tragedy of Neurosis and relate it to the predicament of contemporary man. (MEG 103) (THE TRAGIC DRAMA OF DOCTOR FAUSTUS)

Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus is a play that can be examined as a tragedy of neurosis, a condition in which an individual experiences internal conflict and anxiety. In the play, Faustus is a learned scholar who is dissatisfied with the limitations of human knowledge and desires to know more than is humanly possible. This desire leads him to make a deal with the devil, which ultimately leads to his downfall.

The play can be interpreted as a commentary on the human condition, particularly the human desire for knowledge and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Faustus' internal conflict is representative of the struggles that contemporary man faces in a rapidly changing world, where the pursuit of knowledge and power can lead to feelings of alienation and dissatisfaction.

Faustus' desire for knowledge is rooted in his neurosis, which is characterized by a deep sense of dissatisfaction and a need for validation. His ambition is fueled by a fear of mediocrity and a desire for greatness. Faustus' internal conflict is evident in his soliloquies, where he expresses his desire for knowledge and his fear of damnation.

Faustus' predicament is relatable to contemporary man, who faces similar struggles in a world where the pursuit of knowledge and power can lead to feelings of alienation and dissatisfaction. The play highlights the dangers of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of knowledge at the expense of one's moral values. It can be interpreted as a warning against the dangers of a society that values success and achievement above all else.

The play also explores the consequences of Faustus' actions and the impact they have on those around him. His deal with the devil ultimately leads to his downfall, but it also affects those who are close to him, such as his servant Wagner and his friends Valdes and Cornelius. The play can be interpreted as a commentary on the individual's responsibility to those around them and the impact of their actions on others.

In conclusion, Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus is a play that can be examined as a tragedy of neurosis. Faustus' internal conflict and desire for knowledge are representative of the struggles that contemporary man faces in a rapidly changing world. The play highlights the dangers of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of knowledge at the expense of one's moral values. It can be interpreted as a warning against the dangers of a society that values success and achievement above all else and emphasizes the individual's responsibility to those around them.