![]() It also speaks volumes that Faustus negotiated with the Devil and came to a contractual agreement, in comparison to popular beliefs during this time that a woman had a sexual pact with the Devil, and then she became one of his minions whom he had total control over. The symbolism in this is obvious, and blood sacrifices were common in grimoires. It is here that Doctor Faustus signs his name in his own blood on a contract with Lucifer, to make use of Mephistopheles’ magic for the next 24 years. View here the blood that trickles from mine arm, Lo, Mephistopheles, for love of theeĬhief lord and regent of perpetual night. (1825) The Devil and Doctor Faustus Meetįurthermore, the second main contrast between male and female interactions with magic, is how they interacted with the Devil and his demons. Although, selling your soul to the Devil and using Mephistopheles to prank the Pope, as in in Faustus’ case, is clearly not the most Christian thing to do – this would have garnered a laugh from his Protestant audience during the early seventeenth century. Thus, many scholars didn’t see themselves as flouting their religious beliefs in favour of studying magic, but rather that they were seeking insight into otherworldly beings, according to Christian philosophy. The pursuit of magical studies and religion were not polar opposites either, as implied by the ‘heavenly’ status of Faustus’ ‘necromantic books.’ Many Christian churches actually promoted the studying and exploration of magic, siting the biblical King Solomon’s magical texts as justification for the use and control of demons. ![]() Lines, circles, scenes, letters, and characters-Īy, these are those that Faustus most desires.ĭoctor Faustus illustrates the general contemporary attitude towards scholars and clerics as ‘studious artisans,’ who were the main consumers of grimoires, since they were often written in a mixture of Latin or Hebrew, making it even less accessible to the female laity. What will be, shall be? Divinity, adieu! Some have even gone on to call the persecution of women as witches as a ‘uniquely lethal form of European misogyny.’ One was treated as a respected, although illegal, intellectual pursuit, the other heretical. Literacy vastly divided how men and women practised magic: erudite men schooled themselves with the aid of grimoires (textbooks of magic), whereas women, often denounced for witchcraft, would inherit knowledge based on folklore and popular culture. Although he was born ‘base of stock’ (Prologue, line 11), ‘shortly was graced with doctor’s name’ (Prologue, line 17) and took up residency as a scholar at the university in Wüttermberg. Faustus seems to be an exception to this point. Education and literacy were still only available to the upper echelons of male society. However, the proportion of literate women still hadn’t reached the 10% boundary. ![]() Whilst the play is first and foremost a piece of entertainment, there are historical accuracies about how men interacted with magic during the Early Modern period.īy the turn of the seventeenth century, England’s literacy levels had vastly improved from the previous century, with the literate males estimated as high as 35%. ![]() In exchange for his soul, scholarly Doctor Faustus is given the services of one of Lucifer’s chief demons, Mephistopheles, for 24 years. It has recently made a comeback in the West End, with Game of Thrones actor Kit Harington taking the eponymous role. If you have been unfortunate enough to study A-Level English Literature, you might’ve already come across this play: Doctor Faustus. Written by Christopher Marlowe, Faustus is an English morality play that was first performed around 1588 – 1593, but wasn’t published until 1604. (2016) Doctor Faustus tickets, Duke of Yorks Theatre, London Theatre Direct. ![]()
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