Faustus 1.4 | Comic Scenes As A Mirror Of Serious Action

Question 1

Driven by base desires

Answer 1

“Tickle the pretty wenches’ plackets’ - Robin

“The fairest maiden in all of Germany, I am wanton and lascivious” - Faustus

Both Robin and Faustus are driven by gratifying their sexual impulses by comparing Faustus to clown Robin - able to show how far and rapidly he has fallen from his respected scholarly beginnings

Question 2

Defined by hubris

Answer 2

“Call me master Wagner” - Wagner

“Now, Faustus, thou art conjurer laureate”

Both Wagner and Faustus are presented as arrogant.

Wagner’s desire to become a master himself (he is actually Faustus’ servant) underscores the idea of social disruption, reflecting ‘carnival’ influences of the play.

The title character proclaims himself an exceptional magician upon Mephistopheles’ appearance, failing to understand that his incantations are not the reason for the devilish spirits arrival.

Question 3

Ignorant of necromancy

Answer 3

“I pray sir, let Banio and Belcher go sleep”

“Did my conjuring speeches raise thee”

Faustus, despite his theological doctorate, is presented to known little about necromancy, much like Robin

Question 4

Striking foolish bargains

Answer 4

“He would give his soul to the devil for a shoulder of mutton” - Robin

“Four and twenty years letting him live in all voluptuousness” - Faustus

The deal that Faustus proposes mirrors Robins - both ill considered + motivated by satisfying of senses. ‘Voluptousness’ means sensual pleasure
by 1:3, stark shift from initial goals of 1:2 of using magic to learn “resolve me of all ambiguities”