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2-9
AP English
A2
11/03/2010
Faustus: Thy Name is Tragic Hero
In Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus, Faustus is portrayed as the archetypical
tragic hero through his pursuit of omniscience and omnipotence, his acquisition of
ultimate knowledge and power, and finally his demise as he discovers the corruption of
his demonic deal in order to obtain his success.
Faustus’ desire of omniscience and omnipotence, from a tragic hero standpoint, is
a commonly used theme in literature. “Ay, we must die an everlasting death. What
doctrine call you this? Che sarà, sarà: What will be, shall be! Divinity, adieu! These
metaphysics of magicians, and necromantic books are heavenly” (1.40-50)! His story
parallels those of Greek mythology, Shakespearean plays, and the theology behind the
Star Wars saga. It is similar to Homer’s portrayal of Achilles in the Iliad. His desire for
greatness and glory consumes and convinces him that he is invulnerable. In Hamlet,
Prince Hamlet plans to enact revenge on his murderous uncle who killed his father. In
this regard, Hamlet’s plans represent his need to be the almighty entity that avenges his
father’s ghost. In the Star Wars saga, the character of Anakin Skywalker resembles every
bit of the tragic hero. He quests to become the universes supreme Jedi, the epitome of
honor, chivalry, and definitive spiritualism.
In his acquisition of his all-knowing and all-powerful abilities, Faustus knowingly
and acceptingly makes an unwise deal with the devil. “Was this the face that launched a
thousand ships, and burnt the topless towers of Ilium? Sweet Helen, make me immortal
with a kiss: Her lips sucks forth my soul, see where it flies! Come Helen, come, give me
my soul again. Here will I dwell, for heaven be in these lips, and all is dross that is not
Helena” (12.81–87)! This “Faustian Bargain” theme is quite apparent in the Star Wars
saga, more specifically, in Episode III: the Revenge of the Sith when Anakin Skywalker is
corrupted by the promise of unmatchable power by his devil-like mentor, Senator
Palpatine, who in actuality is the Sith lord. Similarly, but maybe not as recognizable, the
story of Hamlet characterizes real and feigned madness, from overwhelming grief to
seething rage, and explores themes of treachery, revenge, incest, and moral corruption.
These themes further his inner turmoil, an aspect that is prevalent in Dr. Faustus as he
constantly contemplates his demonic deal.
Finally, the inevitable demise of our hero concludes the story. “Ugly hell gape
not! Come not, Lucifer! I’ll burn my books—ah, Mephastophilis” (13.57–113)! Though it
is most frequently portrayed by actual death, the simple transformation into an
unrecognizable or unfamiliar character can signify the fall of a hero. One who’s make-up
at the conclusion of the story contradicts that of his or her original nature in a negative
fashion. Faustus’ death is depicted through sincere regret, but belated regret at that. His
far too late wish for repentance is unfulfilled as he is literally ripped apart and dragged to
hell. In the Iliad, Achilles reaches his end after being shot in his only vulnerable spot, the
Achilles heel, and discovering that he is not invincible as he proclaimed. Dramatic irony
completes at this point where the reader’s awareness of his one handicap, is satisfied by
his death. In Star Wars Episode: III, Anakin’s pledge of allegiance to Senator Palpatine
sends him down an evil path that transforms him into an unrecognizable monster, whose
cold insides signifies his emotional change and are ultimately satisfied by his physical
change into a soulless machine.
In closing, Faustus, through his pursuit of omniscience and omnipotence, his
acquisition of ultimate knowledge and power, and his demise as he discovers the
corruption of his demonic deal in order to obtain his success, is portrayed as the
archetypical tragic hero.