AS and A Level: Pre-1770

Conclusion analysis

Good conclusions usually refer back to the question or title and address it directly - for example by using key words from the title.
How well do you think these conclusions address the title or question? Answering these questions should help you find out.

1. Do they use key words from the title or question?
2. Do they answer the question directly?
3. Can you work out the question or title just by reading the conclusion?

• Discuss the presentation of Faustus' inner conflict in Act 1 scene 5 of Doctor Faustus.

  "In conclusion we, as the audience, are clearly able to see that towards the beginning of Act 1 Scene 5, Faustus demonstrates his inner turmoil and uncertainty as to what is the right decision for him to make. His inner turmoil is presented primarily, through his monologues, which let the audience know what is happening in his mind, and the through the contrary manifestations of the "Good" and "Evil" Angels. The "Good" and "Evil" Angels symbolise the two extremes of his conscious thought and make it easier for the audience to see Faustus' confusion. By the end of the scene it is made clear that through the temptation of Mephastophilis, the terror of Lucifer and Belzebub and the lies of the "Evil" Angel, Faustus' soul will be contractually damned to hell and he does not have a hope of salvation."

• Marlowes original title was The Tragicall history of Dr. Faustus. To what extent do you consider Faustus a truly tragic figure?

  "In conclusion, I belief that Faustus is a tragic hero because although he committed terrible sins he is merely guilty of being human with immoral urges. Dr. Faustus is a morality play, it illustrates to the audience how one should not behave but it also illustrates the temptations that are put to them. Faustus had great ability but he unfortunately channeled his abilities in the wrong fashion. A tragic figure, according to Aristotle should be of high status so he would have further to fall, the hero should bring his own peripeteia because of his hamartia; the audience would also most likely have pathos for Faustus, sympathy because Faustus, other than his fateful flaw is actually a likeable character. The audience should also appreciate Faustus's fear because they can relate to his fall from grace and finally a tragic hero must have a moment of anagnorisis. Faustus has all these qualities in him and hence this is the reason why I believe that Faustus is a tragic hero."

• Compare the first and final soliloquies in Dr Faustus - is Faustus a hero or a villain?

  "However, the argument that Faustus' bargain with Lucifer and his desire for immortality has in the end led to his downfall is also another possibility. In a certain light it could be seen that Faustus is a coward, despairing of his choices and terrified. J B Steane criticizes Faustus, "in the end he cowers, and hides..." He seems to take responsibility for his own actions as seen above but momentarily after turns this around onto Lucifer, "curse Lucifer." Faustus is now trapped by the time is longed for, his sanity is also brought into question with the use of elements, "Now body, turn to air." "O soul, be changed into little water drops." He appears to believe he can hide from Lucifer in the air and water which are not feasible. To conclude the first and final soliloquies both provide excellent insights and questions of Faustus' character and thoughts for the audience. The also conjure an question of whether Faustus is a hero or a villain and constant ambiguity, throughout this play, provides excellent arguments for both sides. Laura Williams"