Faustus 1.3 | Mephistopheles The Teacher

Question 1

1.3 What does Marlowe use Mephistopheles as when he enters the play for the first time?

Answer 1

A cautionary figure in order to highlight Faustus’ hubris and ignorance

Question 2

1.3 “I am servant to great Lucifer … No more than he commands must we perform”

Answer 2

Mephistopheles immediately conveys his loyalties as well as making clear the limits to any power Faustus will gain

Question 3

1.3 ‘But yer per accidens for when we hear one rack the name of God… we fly in hope to get his glorious soul’

Answer 3

Mephistopheles explains how his appearance is unconnected to Faustus’ incantation, reiterating the title characters lack of power and making his dramatic spells seem pointless and somewhat embarrassing

Question 4

1.3 “Why this is hell, nor am I out of it”

Answer 4

Mephistopheles explains to Faustus the eternal and inescapable nature of his suffering, which Faustus seems ignorant of, despite his theological study

Question 5

1.3 ‘O Faustus, leave these frivolous demands which strike a terror to my fainting soul!’

Answer 5

Mephistopheles warns Faustus about his foolish desires as he unlike Faustus understands the sacred nature of a soul. Faustus later says ‘Had I as many souls as there be stars / I’d give them all’