Divinity, adieu: The opening lines of Marlowe's "Doctor Faustus"

"Doctor Faustus": The opening soliloquy

Here is the beginning from the original 1616 B-text:

Faustus in his study. Faust.

Settle thy studies Faustus, and begin

to sound the depth of that thou wilt professe,

Hauing commenc'd, be a Diuine in shew,

Yet leuell at the end of euery Art,

And liue and die in Aristotles workes.

Sweet Analitikes, tis thou hast rauisht me,

Bene disserere set finis Logicis.

Is to dispute well Logickes chiefest end?

Affoords this Art no greater miracle?

Then read no more, thou hast attain'd that end;

A greater subject fitteth Faustus wit:

We will read the opening soliloquy from Marlowe's play together. In small groups/pairs, answer these questions:

1. What are his views about philosophy, medicine, law and theology?

2. What imagery does he uses to justify his rejection of these disciplines?

3. Find references to death and religion in this soliloquy. Why might they be important?

4. What does the speech reveal about his desires at this point of the play?

5. What impression do we get of Faustus from this speech?

Mel Gibson's "Hamlet"

We will conclude our viewing of this production in part 2.

Homework

Essay: Discuss Marlowe's presentation of Faustus in both the opening Chorus and soliloquy by Faustus himself. 650-750 words, A4 word-processed. Remember to quote closely from the script.

Have a really good Christmas!

Contexts for "Hamlet" and "Doctor Faustus"

The context of Shakespeare's "Hamlet"

Compare your notes on the site you visited about Shakespeare's Catholicism with a partner. Prepare to present five points you found out to the class.

Lecture: The English Reformation, Part 1: Henry VIII to Edward VI

Listen to a lecture on this topic and take any additional notes on the slides provided.

"Hamlet" Links

Having listened to the lecture, work in small groups to identify links between the context and the play. See if you can find at least 3-5 links.

Mel Gibson's "Hamlet"

I hope we will be able to watch some of this production and continue with a comparative take on it - Holly/Adrianna don't forget the DVD!

The Prologue of "Doctor Faustus" by Christopher Marlowe

If we have time, we will read the Prologue together. In small groups or pairs, annotate the text to summarise what and how the Prologue tells us in advance about the play.

Homework, 5th December 2008

Make a summary of:

1. Links you noticed between historical/social/religious context and "Hamlet".

2. Similarities and differences you noted between Branagh's and Gibson's versions of "Hamlet" so far (only if we were able to watch the DVD).

3. How Marlowe uses the Prologue to introduce "Doctor Faustus" to his audience.

Image: The famous Hans Holbein Portrait of Henry VIII.