Discuss the role of Mephistopheles - How much of a role does he play in Faustus' damnation? How does Marlowe complicate his character and inspire our sympathy?

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Discuss the role of Mephistopheles. How much of a role does he play in Faustus' damnation? How does Marlowe complicate his character and inspire our sympathy?

James Batchelor

Dr. Faustus isn't a one-character play. Though Faustus is undoubtedly the main and most important character, he is closely followed by Mephistopheles. The name 'Mephistopheles' is originally from the Hebrew language, derived from the two words 'mephiz', meaning 'destroyer', and 'tophel', meaning liar. This suits his character reasonably well; at least, it fits the character given to him by medieval beliefs. The people of Marlowe's time would have believed that Mephistopheles would have been a deceitful, strong, intimidating and destructive monster. However, Marlowe presents him as a very different figure.

Mephistopheles is a fallen archangel, much like Lucifer himself. He is one of the highest-ranking devils in Hell, and is a servant, agent and messenger to Lucifer. His loyalty to Lucifer is unquestionable, mainly because Mephistopheles understands and respects the Satanic law, i.e. Lucifer is ruler of Hell and none shall oppose him. His main job is to secure and bargain for souls for Lucifer's kingdom, so he arrives immediately as Faustus attempts to summon him. He pretends