Dr Faustus Tragic Flaw Analysis

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In the play Dr. Faustus, by Christopher Marlowe, the main character Faustus has an apparent tragic fall that leads him to his downfall. A tragic flaw appears in a literary pieces, and the main character hardly ever overcomes their flaw because it leads them to their ruin. In these tragic stories the flaw becomes the center of conflict and audience recognizes it early in the piece, and it is often connected with the character’s pride. The use of the tragic flaw is to teach the audience to become better people, because of the pity, connection with the character and through the obvious flaw the character has. Dr. Faustus easily falls into these categories of having a tragic flaw. This Elizabethan tragedy features a Christian beliefs that …show more content…

To begin the play Dr. Faustus is introduced as a noble and respected scholar who has mastered the subjects of medicine, law and philosophy. As a man in his social class he is seen as an equal to the audience members, since most of the audience where of similar social class of that time. This connection further drives home the tragedy and the tragic flaw that Dr. Faustus possesses. He soon turns to black magic as his next source of knowledge, his curiosity for knowledge and for power drive him. With his black magic he summons the demon, Mephistopheles. It appear devilish and evil so Faustus send him away, but to come back as a friar, something more desirable. Dr. Faustus exchanges his soul for twenty-four years of Mephistopheles’ service and his knowledge. The flaw blinds Faustus from realizing that he is dealing with the devil he has just chosen the short-term power over God and eternal holiness. He does in fact feel some guilt and is skeptical of his deal, when his own blood seems to reject the deal. However, his doubt vanish with the thought of his new power and knowledge the demon promises him. With his riches he receives, the knowledge he desires, the power of his dreams, Faustus is totally satisfied and does not regret his decision at all. His

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