Faustus Prologue Quotes' Analysis

Question 1

not marching… nor sporting… not in the pomp…

Answer 1

anaphoric repetition of negators that subverts the typical traits of a tragic hero of the Medieval period

Question 2

use of chorus

Answer 2

influences the staging and sets up the themes, characterisation of Faustus, and idea of Greek tragedy

Question 3

parents base of stock

Answer 3

audience made suspicious of Faustus as his humble beginnings imply he has overstepped / too ambitious by leaving the role society assigned him

Question 4

riper years… fruitful plots… surfeits… sweet delight… swoll’n

Answer 4

semantic field of gluttony/ consumption, presenting the pursuit of religious knowledge as tempting

Question 5

riper years to Wittenburg

Answer 5

presenting Faustus as a radical, revolutionary thinker as it was a place that challenged the typical thinking of the church (Protestant Reformation)

Question 6

waxen wings

Answer 6

classical allusion to Icarus, who flew too close to the sun as a result of his ambition/ pride, Faustus therefore presented as someone with hubristic tendencies

Question 6

melting heavens conspired his overthrow

Answer 6

foreshadowing his downfall, result of his deviation/ transgression from the status he was born with, shows that a greater power will realign the natural order

Question 7

profits in divinity

Answer 7

initial suggestion of Faustus’ desire for financial gain/ superficial reward, rather than a pure pursuit of knowledge

Question 8

glutted with learning’s golden gifts

Answer 8

alliteration that emphasises indulgence and excess