The Tragical Drama of Doctor Faustus and Mephastophilis

The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus was a magnificent play that was very enjoyable. The book was at times very challenging but as a whole, it was very well written and enjoyable, making me wish the story was longer. The play gave me many things to question a well as a surprising twist that did not become apparent to me up until the very end. Since the story was written centuries ago, at first it was very challenging to read, however, after getting used to the writing style it got much easier to understand and enjoy. 

When first starting to read the play, I noticed that the writing style was very difficult to comprehend. I was also getting very confused during the book, as well. The confusion came when I saw a few lines that were written in Latin. I was not sure what it meant but later on, I realized that all of the Latin lines were spells that the characters were reciting. Once I was able to understand the wording in the story, it became very enjoyable and I was able to understand what the purpose of the Latin that was spoken at some points. I enjoyed many things about the play some of which include the side stories and malicious pranks Faustus played when on his journey to the “damnation”. 

The side stories with Wagner gave me as a reader, a type of comical relief from the serious talk of Faustus and his ignorant decisions. I also really enjoyed Faustus and Mephastophilis aggravating the pope, stealing his meal and “boxing his ears” was one of the most enjoyable parts of the story. The malicious pranks really grasped my attention making me like the story even more than I did before. When reading the book I assumed many things would happen that did not. I first thought that God would punish Faustus for committing what is considered as the ultimate sin. 

After reading further, I came to understand that God did not need to punish Faustus because the consequences of his actions were punishment enough. I next thought that Faustus would at some point repent for his sins. I believed he would repent because he was given so many chances to do so. Faustus however was too proud and foolish to do such a thing as admit to his mistakes. The last assumption I had was that Faustus would somehow get out of this contract he made with Lucifer and he would go back to his godly ways. 

Considering this play is a tragedy, I had no logical reason to believe this other than I was hoping for a happy ending to this unfortunate, but self-made, conclusion. I only had a few questions throughout the book, most of which being answered later on in the story. I only possess one question that has yet to be fulfilled, this being, what exactly happened to Faustus after Lucifer took him from his home? To me, the story ended abruptly, not giving readers enough information to be completely satisfied. 

There are so many possible endings to the story and I wish that Marlowe would have enlightened his audience by finishing the play in great detail. The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus is a great, well-written play what gets easier to comprehend when reading just a bit further into it. The play was very enjoyable and the events leading to the climax as well as the falling action, captivated me, making me not want to put the book down. The side stories, maliciously evil pranks, and the surprising but also predictable ending made me grow to love the story that was told.