Dr. Faustus: Show how Elizabethan beliefs in heaven and hell influence the play.

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DR. FAUSTUS: Show how Elizabethan beliefs in heaven and hell influence the play.

By Hayley Sheath 12MF.

This essay will explore how Marlowe uses Renaissance beliefs in heaven and hell to direct the play. This essay will include how Elizabethan views influence Faustus’ character, the Renaissance curiosity of heaven and hell, how heaven and hell are represented by the Good and Evil angels, how beliefs in heaven and hell are used to shock the audience and the fear of hell. This essay will focus mainly on Scene 5 of the play.

        The Elizabethan audience had traditional Christian beliefs of heaven and hell; and tried their best to obey God and join Him in heaven. Marlowe deliberately challenges Elizabethan beliefs in the play, by making the character of Faustus dare God and religion, which was typical of the Renaissance period. Faustus is an Atheist; this is shown in Scene 5- ‘Come, I think hell’s a fable.’ In discussing hell, Faustus shows his Atheism, because Christians believe that God will always forgive, and so as long as you believe in God, you will go to heaven. It shows the Renaissance arrogance, and how Faustus is unable to accept the Chain of Being; he sees himself as superior to all. Faustus also defies God; demonstrated in Scene 3, ‘This word damnation terrifies not him.’ This quote shows that Faustus is not scared of hell, and that he sees himself as being able to overpower the Devil and God. Humanism occurs, where Faustus is unable to accept that he has limitations.

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        Faustus also has classic Renaissance curiosity, representing that he wants to know where heaven and hell are. In Scene 5, he asks ‘Ay, but whereabouts?’ this shows Faustus’ hunger for knowledge. Mephastophilis replies ‘All places shall be hell that is not heaven.’ Mephastophilis also describes hell as ‘Where we are tortured and remain forever. Hell hath no limits.’ This reflects the Renaissance; previously people would not have believed in hell because they were Christian and believed they would have forgiveness and go to heaven. The Renaissance brought new beliefs and a wonder about the world- thus allowing Faustus to speculate ...

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