Summary for Dr. Faustus

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Dr. Faustus

Dr.Faustus is an Elizabethan tragedy written by Christopher Marlowe. It was written between 1589 and 1592. This play depicts the character of Dr.Faustus , who sells his soul to the devil for knowledge.


Dr.Faustus, the protagonist of this play has pursued doctorate in divinity from Wittenberg University. He is renowned for his knowledge and intelligence. He turns greedy to learn the art of magic (necromancy). Faustus's friends Valdes and Cornelius convince Faustus to learn magic.

Faustus conjures Mephistopheles, the devil and asks him to make a deal with Lucifer. He is ready to gain knowledge and power for 24 years for his soul. He agrees and signs the contract with his blood. The word “Homofuge” (fly, man) appears on his arm.

Faustus begins a second thought. He curses Mephistopheles for causing him lose. The good angel and bad angel arrive before Faustus. The good angel asks him to repent and the evil angel tell him to remain wicked to enjoy this worldly pleasure. Faustus hears to the evil angel. He requests Mephistopheles for a wife but he gives him books full of Knowledge.                

   Faustus along with Mephistopheles explored Rome riding in a Chariot drawn by dragon “ Faustus flies above the world on a real stage – filling  dragon. It must be seen to be believed”. Both make themselves invisible and participate in St. Peters feast. They play a number of tricks before leaving. Further Faustus delights the emperor with illusions.

Faustus continues to use his powers to swindle and humiliate anyone he pleases. Several of his victims, together with Robin the Clown, go to the court of the duke in order to get some justice done, if possible. Faustus wins over the duke and duchess with petty illusions, and toys with Robin.

Faustus tells the scholars about his pact, and they are horror-stricken and resolve to pray for him. On the final night before the expiration of the twenty-four years, Faustus is overcome by fear and remorse. He begs for mercy, but it is too late. At midnight, a host of devils appears and carries his soul off to hell.

The story highlights the life of a man who is after power and knowledge to which the lead protagonist associates with Godhood. He is guided by the angels around him to confess his sins and ask for forgiveness. However, his pride and arrogance does not allow him to do this. His folly makes him not understand the machinations of Lucifer making him be damned to hell

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