Dr. Faustus as a Tragic Hero

Introduction

In Christopher Marlowe's renowned tragedy "Doctor Faustus," the titular character, Dr. Faustus, emerges as a quintessential example of a tragic hero. Drawing inspiration from Aristotle's definition of tragedy, Faustus embodies the key characteristics that elicit both pity and fear from the audience. Despite his average birth and lack of noble blood, Faustus's journey from prosperity to misery, driven by his tragic flaw, showcases the power of human agency and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

The Nature and Birth of Dr. Faustus

According to Aristotle's theory, a tragic hero should belong to the average class, neither exceptionally good nor entirely bad. In this regard, Dr. Faustus perfectly fits the mold. Although he hails from a middle-class family, Faustus's internal conflict between the Good and Bad Angel symbolizes his balanced nature. While not born into nobility, Faustus's scholarly achievements and pursuit of knowledge elevate him to greatness.

The Tragic Fault of Dr. Faustus

The tragic flaw, often responsible for a hero's downfall, manifests in Faustus's insatiable ambition. His overwhelming desire for power and fame leads him to make a Faustian pact with Lucifer, exchanging his soul for twenty-four years of unlimited knowledge. This tragic fault aligns Faustus with other tragic figures like Macbeth, emphasizing the consequences of unchecked ambition.

Excessive Pride and Disrespect for the Natural Order

At the beginning of the play, Faustus displays excessive pride in his vast knowledge across various disciplines, including philosophy, theology, and medicine. Despite his intellectual prowess, Faustus feels unfulfilled and seeks to defy the natural order by delving into necromancy and black magic. His arrogance blinds him to the potential consequences of challenging the established order.

The Reversal of Fate in Faustus's Life

The concept of peripeteia, or the reversal of fate, is a crucial element in the tragedy of Dr. Faustus. Marlowe depicts Faustus's life oscillating from misery to happiness before ultimately succumbing to complete damnation. Initially, Faustus is a respected scholar in Germany, but his thirst for power leads him down a dark path. Through his encounter with Mephistopheles, Faustus gains supernatural abilities but forgets the impending damnation that awaits him.

"I charge thee wait upon me whilst I live,

To do whatever Faustus shall command,

Be it to make the moon drop from her sphere,

Or the ocean to overwhelm the world." - Dr. Faustus

Faustus's pursuit of supreme power blinds him to the inevitable punishment that awaits him.

Punishment and Suffering of Dr. Faustus

The suffering endured by a tragic hero due to their hamartia and hubris is a defining aspect of their journey. Dr. Faustus is no exception. As his actions align with his tragic flaw, Faustus begins to experience intense suffering. His fear of hell and the torment it brings becomes a constant source of anguish. In a desperate attempt to alleviate his pain, Faustus makes a crucial mistake by summoning Helen of Troy, leading to his ultimate downfall.

"Sweet Helen, make me immortal with a kiss!

Her lips suck forth my soul—see where it flies!" - Dr. Faustus

The downfall and damnation of Faustus evoke a deep sense of pity among the audience. A scholar with vast wisdom is tragically swayed by ill-natured friends, leading him astray on a path of evil.

Conclusion: Dr. Faustus as a Tragic Character

From a comprehensive analysis, it becomes evident that Dr. Faustus is indeed a tragic character, akin to Oedipus, Agamemnon, Hamlet, Othello, and even Macbeth. Despite lacking high birth or noble blood, Faustus embodies the key attributes of a tragic hero. Christopher Marlowe's exploration of the modern concept of a tragic character sets the stage for future playwrights and continues to captivate audiences with its timeless themes of ambition, power, and the consequences of human choices.