Comment on the dramatic significance of the last scene in ''Doctor Faustus''.

"Doctor Faustus" is a play by Christopher Marlowe, which tells the story of a brilliant scholar who, in his quest for knowledge and power, makes a pact with the devil. The last scene of the play is a powerful and poignant culmination of the tragic story of Faustus.

 

The last scene begins with Faustus' soliloquy, in which he expresses his despair and regret for selling his soul to the devil. He realizes that all his knowledge and power are worthless and that he has wasted his life in pursuit of empty pleasures. He sees the error of his ways, and he cries out to God for mercy, but it is too late.

 

Mephistopheles, Faustus' demonic servant, appears on stage and reminds him of the deal he made. Faustus pleads with him to let him go, but Mephistopheles tells him that it is impossible. Faustus begs for a few more moments of life, but Mephistopheles informs him that his time has run out, and he must prepare to face eternal damnation.

 

The chorus then enters and delivers the final lines of the play, which are a powerful condemnation of Faustus' life and a warning to the audience about the dangers of ambition and pride. The chorus states that Faustus has been "ripped up by the roots" and that his soul is now condemned to eternal damnation.

 

The dramatic significance of the last scene of "Doctor Faustus" lies in its exploration of the themes of sin, redemption, and damnation. Faustus is a tragic hero who, through his own pride and ambition, sells his soul to the devil. He is a character who embodies the human desire for knowledge, power, and immortality, but he ultimately realizes that these desires are hollow and meaningless.

 

The last scene of the play is a powerful reminder of the consequences of sin and the importance of redemption. Faustus' despair and regret are a reflection of the human condition, and his plea for mercy is a reminder of the power of faith and the possibility of redemption. However, the fact that he is ultimately damned to eternal suffering is a stark warning about the consequences of sin.

 

The play also explores the idea of free will and the role of fate in human life. Faustus is a character who is driven by his own desires and ambitions, but he is also a victim of his own fate. He is a man who is destined to fail, and his tragic end is a reminder of the limits of human power and the inevitability of death.

 

The last scene of the play also has a powerful impact on the audience. It is a moment of catharsis, in which the audience is forced to confront the consequences of Faustus' actions and the fragility of human life. The chorus' final lines are a warning to the audience about the dangers of pride and ambition, and they serve as a reminder of the importance of leading a virtuous life.

 

In conclusion, the last scene of "Doctor Faustus" is a powerful and poignant culmination of the tragic story of Faustus. It explores the themes of sin, redemption, damnation, free will, and fate, and it serves as a powerful warning to the audience about the dangers of ambition and pride. The play is a timeless reminder of the fragility of human life and the importance of leading a virtuous life.