Response to Doctor Faustus

Hi i was wondering how to approach either of these two questions for Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe,

I'm not sure which one to choose either.

Audiences and writers willingly embrace the make-believe of stage drama, because it frees them to construct a version of reality. Discuss how Marlowe uses the beliefs and theatrical experiences of his audience to present a challenge to prevailing morality.

OR

How does Marlowe combine traditional theatrical forms with modern dramatic techniques to challenge his contemporary audiences?

What should i look at for either essays to answer the question properly??

Thanks alot

Greetings!

They are interesting questions! For the first question, in order to understand how Marlowe uses the beliefs and experiences of his audience, you'll need to know what they are. What were audiences of the 16th century like? They generally held strong religious beliefs, so that provides a clue to prevailing morality; what were their theatrical experiences? What types of plays were they accustomed to at that time? How is Marlowe's work similar or different?

For the second question, you'll want to explain the tradition theatrical forms--what they were, how they were used, and then contrast those with the modern techniques in use at that time. How were they different? Does Marlowe use elements of both? Is it effective?

The first question has a more philosophical slant, whereas the second is more technical. Choose the one which appeals to you more on that basis.

I hope this helps!

Thanks,

Sarah, EssayForum.com

Hi again,

I've decided to change topics as these two were rather too difficult for me,
so i've decided to do "Is the epilogue's warning to the audience confirmed by the tone and events of the play as a whole?"

I think this topic is much more straight forward but i'm struggling to think of a few main points to focus on. Where do you think I should start?

Thanks alot for your help again,

Peter

PS: I promise i'll stick to this topic!!

Greetings!

It's good to be able to pick a topic you are more comfortable with. :-) You might want to begin by considering the audience of the 16th century. This would not have just been fantasy to them, but something which they would take seriously. Protection of one's immortal soul was an important concept in those days, and the Devil was considered a real threat. The prospect of spending eternity in the fiery pits of hell was a sobering thought. When you consider the tone and events of the play, keep this in mind.

I hope this helps!

Thanks,

Sarah, EssayForum.com

Hi pete2321 and EF_Team2,

By the way thank you for lending me your name pete2321 :-) (even though i didnt ask permission, I'm sure you dont mind?).

But, regarding the topic, I am also studying Doctor Faustus and have been trying to use the "epilogue" question as a practice question, although I have ended up finding it incredibly confusing. In an essay like this, since there doesn't seem to be much discussion which can be had around the answer "yes" as it is easily justified, would it be fair then to branch out into discussing dramatic and other writing techniques in more detail? Also, can you please complete your sentence EF_Team2? "The prospect of spending eternity in the fiery pits of hell was a ..."

Thank you!

peter

Greetings!

Thanks for pointing that sentence out! I edited it so it is not left hanging there forever...in the fiery pits... :-)

Yes, I think you can branch out, provided that, in doing so, you address the question. If your answer is yes, the epilogue's warning to the audience is confirmed by the tone and events of the play as a whole, then you will want to go on to give examples of why that is true. How is the tone conveyed? Which events confirm it?

I think you're on the right track with your thoughts of "dramatic and other writing techniques." See how many you can find to support your answer.

Good luck!

Thanks,

Sarah, EssayForum.com