Critically analyze Doctor Faustus as a tragedy of human heroism
Christopher Marlowe’s play Doctor Faustus is one of the most important tragedies in English literature. It tells the story of a scholar, Doctor Faustus, who is not satisfied with traditional knowledge. He turns to magic and makes a deal with the devil to gain unlimited power and knowledge for 24 years. At first, Faustus enjoys his powers, but soon he realizes he has made a mistake. The play ends with his tragic fall. Many scholars view this play as a story of failure and doom, but it can also be seen as a tragedy of human heroism. Faustus is a bold character who represents the spirit of the Renaissance — the desire to know more and push beyond limits.
1. The Heroic Nature of Faustus
Faustus is not a traditional hero. He is not brave in battle or noble by birth. But he is a hero in the way he challenges the limits set by society and religion. He wants to go beyond what others have done. He rejects the old forms of learning — law, medicine, theology — because they no longer satisfy his hunger for knowledge. His decision to learn magic is risky, dangerous, and rebellious. In this sense, Faustus becomes a symbol of human ambition and curiosity.
Like a true hero, he makes his own choices and accepts the consequences. Even though the audience knows he is making a mistake, we admire his courage. He does not accept the limits that are placed on humans. He dreams big, and for a while, he succeeds. This boldness makes him heroic, even if it also leads to his fall.
2. Renaissance Spirit and Individualism
The Renaissance was a time when people began to think differently. They moved away from blind faith and started exploring science, art, and philosophy. Faustus represents this new spirit. He wants to understand the secrets of the universe. He wants to be more than just a man — he wants to be godlike. This desire is dangerous, but it also shows a brave spirit. In the end, Faustus pays the price for his pride, but he does it with the full awareness of his choices.
3. Faustus and the Tragic Flaw
In classical tragedy, a hero often has a tragic flaw, called “hamartia.” Faustus’ flaw is his hubris — extreme pride. He believes he is above everyone, including God. This pride leads him to sell his soul for knowledge and pleasure. But even when he realizes he has made a mistake, he is too proud to ask for forgiveness. His pride stops him from saving himself. This makes his story tragic, but also noble in a way. He stays true to his decision, even when facing eternal damnation. This steady character, even in doom, gives him heroic qualities.
4. The Inner Conflict
Throughout the play, Faustus feels guilt and fear. He is often visited by a Good Angel and an Evil Angel. The Good Angel asks him to repent and return to God, while the Evil Angel tells him to enjoy the powers he has. These moments show that Faustus is not a simple villain. He is a human being torn between good and evil. This inner conflict makes him more relatable and tragic. His final speech before he is taken to hell is full of fear, regret, and helplessness. It is one of the most powerful moments in the play and shows his deep humanity.
5. A Modern Tragic Hero
Unlike classical heroes who are born noble, Faustus is a self-made man. He earns his position through study and effort. This makes him a modern kind of hero. His fall is not due to fate or bad luck, but because of the choices he makes. He knows the risks, but he still takes them. In this way, Marlowe presents a hero who is flawed, brave, ambitious, and tragic. Faustus reminds us that human strength and human weakness often go hand in hand.
Conclusion
Doctor Faustus is a tragedy not just of doom but of daring. Faustus is a man who wants more than what life offers. He takes risks that most would avoid. His courage, ambition, and final acceptance of his fate make him a tragic hero. While he falls because of his pride, he also shines because of his boldness. Marlowe’s play shows that human heroism is not about perfection but about striving, dreaming, and sometimes, falling.