Temptation with Sin and the Rejection of God in The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus

Due to the fact that The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus is a godly play, it favors the views of the Christian thoughts and beliefs. The most prevalent theme is the act of sin, the temptation of sin, as well as the rejection of redemption. Each of these aspects are all motifs, being repeated multiple times throughout the play. Marlowe shows Doctor Faustus being tempted with sin throughout the entirety of the story. It is also shown in the story, Faustus being given many chances to repent for his sins and choose a more heavenly route. The story shows the unfortunate sinner and his journey through temptations, then the act of sin, and finally the rejection of redemption. The author also wants to show readers why they should not take place in any forbidden actions. In his conventional life, Faustus has become bored of his now ordinary lifestyle and black magic has spiked his interest.

After he signs his soul away to Satan, Faustus starts to have doubts, however, Mephastophilis suppresses these doubts by gifting him with many valuables, along with a book of spells. Later in the play, it is shown in quite an obvious way that Faustus is giving into his temptations, story states, “The god serv’st is thine own appetite...”(25) In the midst of his doubts, Faustus considers turning back to his godly ways but in the end, he rejects them. He continues to give into his own temptations saying that his desires, as well as himself, are his own “god”. Faustus shows what becomes a reoccurring theme in the play, thus being the act of sin. In the story, Faustus performs the “ultimate” sin. The ultimate sin is rejecting Jesus as his savior and making a pact with Lucifer. Not only is Faustus disobeying the holy sovereign, but he is also willingly becoming allies with the fallen angel.

Tempted by Mephastophilis and Lucifer, Faustus rejects God performing the worst sin one could ever commit. Multiple times Faustus has the option of repenting for his sins. Towards the end of the play, Faustus, yet again, has doubts about the ultimate sin he had committed. Despite the danger and hell, the sinner will be put through, Faustus looks past all of it refusing to admit he to his mistake and ask God to have mercy on him. He now feels a sensation of pain when just thinking of the Lord’s name because of the deal he has made. Since The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus is a Christian based play, the moral of the story revolves around heavenly beliefs. The dominant theme of the play is being tempted by sin, committing a sinful action, and the rejection of redemption. At the end of the play, the chorus explicitly tells the audience that Faustus’s downfall was a perfect example of why they should not try to learn “unlawful things”. Marlowe tries to explain to readers what sadistic things may happen if you turn to the “dark side”, leaving the Lord for Lucifer. The aspects of the theme are shown multiple times throughout the story, showing readers how important it really is.