The essence of irony is dilemma: Discuss the statement with reference to Doctor Faustus. (MEG 103) (IRONY AND THE TRAGIC DILEMMA IN DOCTOR FAUSTUS)

The statement that "the essence of irony is dilemma" can be applied to Christopher Marlowe's play "Doctor Faustus." Throughout the play, Faustus is presented with a series of dilemmas, and the use of irony underscores the tragic consequences of his choices.

From the beginning of the play, Faustus is dissatisfied with his current state of knowledge and yearns for greater power and understanding. However, his quest for knowledge leads him to make a deal with the devil, and this creates a dilemma for him. On the one hand, Faustus desires the power and knowledge that Mephistopheles offers, but on the other hand, he knows that he is risking damnation by making a deal with the devil. This dilemma is ironic because Faustus, a highly educated man, is unable to recognize the dangers of his actions.

Furthermore, Faustus's deal with the devil creates a series of dilemmas for him throughout the play. He is constantly torn between his desire for knowledge and power and his fear of damnation. He struggles with the decision to repent and turn away from his pact with the devil, and this creates a moral dilemma for him. Faustus is also torn between his loyalty to his friends and his desire to pursue his own ambitions, which creates a personal dilemma for him.

The use of irony in the play underscores the tragic consequences of Faustus's choices. Despite his intelligence and education, Faustus is unable to recognize the dangers of his actions, and his pursuit of power and knowledge ultimately leads him to damnation. The irony of Faustus's character is that he is a highly educated man who is unable to make wise choices, and this underscores the play's central theme of the dangers of pride and ambition.

In conclusion, the statement that "the essence of irony is dilemma" is applicable to "Doctor Faustus." Faustus's character is constantly presented with dilemmas throughout the play, and the use of irony underscores the tragic consequences of his choices. The play highlights the dangers of pride and ambition and serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of making deals with the devil.