Illustrate the use of dramatic irony from the text of Doctor Faustus. (MEG 103) (IRONY AND THE TRAGIC DILEMMA IN DOCTOR FAUSTUS)

Dramatic irony is a literary device where the audience knows more than the characters, and their knowledge creates tension and suspense. In "Doctor Faustus," Christopher Marlowe uses dramatic irony to create tension and to highlight the tragic irony of Faustus's actions.

One example of dramatic irony occurs when Faustus first meets Mephistopheles, a servant of Lucifer who offers to serve him in exchange for his soul. The audience knows that Mephistopheles is a demon and that his offer is a trap, but Faustus is unaware of this fact. When Faustus asks Mephistopheles if he is "a fiend," Mephistopheles replies, "I am a servant to great Lucifer / And may not follow thee without his leave." The audience understands the true nature of Mephistopheles's character, but Faustus does not, and this creates tension and suspense.

Another example of dramatic irony occurs when Faustus signs his soul over to Lucifer in exchange for twenty-four years of unlimited power and knowledge. Faustus believes that he will be able to control his own destiny and use his newfound power for good, but the audience knows that his actions will lead to his downfall. When Faustus says, "A sound magician is a mighty god," the audience understands the irony of his statement because they know that his magical abilities will ultimately lead to his destruction.

Furthermore, there is dramatic irony in the final scene of the play when Faustus is dragged off to hell by the devils. Faustus is still clinging to the hope that he can repent and be saved, but the audience knows that it is too late for him. When Faustus cries out, "Christ, my Savior, / Seek to save distressed Faustus' soul!" the audience understands the tragic irony of his plea, as they know that Faustus's fate is sealed.

In conclusion, Christopher Marlowe uses dramatic irony throughout "Doctor Faustus" to create tension and highlight the tragic irony of Faustus's actions. Through this device, Marlowe underscores the play's central themes of the dangers of pride and ambition and the consequences of making deals with the devil.