If you have been through German literature, you must have come across the famous play, namely “The Tragical History of the Life & Death of Doctor Faustus.” Know about the important life lessons in this famous play.
This world-famous play also referred to as the Doctor Faustus, is a famous Elizabethan tragedy composed by Christopher Marlowe. The entire play has been based several German-based stories and depicts the story of the protagonist, namely Faust, who sells his soul to the devil. The play was written between the time of 1589 & 1592. It is assumed that the play might have been delivered during 1592 and went on until the death of Marlowe during 1593. After several years, the two versions of the given play got published during the Jacobean Era. As is Shakespeare god to English literature, Goethe, one of the world-famous German authors, stands his unique position in the German literature as well.
If you are intrigued by going through the world-famous play, here are some important life lessons to learn from the same:
- The overall experience of the legendary character Doctor Faustus in the play has been immensely immersive. The character is known for selling his soul to Mephistopheles –the demon in the play. In turn, Doctor Faustus expects worldly pleasure and knowledge. This is regarded as a great metaphor for political pacts around the world.
- As far as political pacts around the world are concerned, the play throws its light in the modern political scenario –right from the elections of Donald Trump to the Brexit.
- The play is composed of two stories. Both the stories are known to reflect the overall unease with respect to the new world and its dawning –expected to be full of anxiety and possibilities.
- The Faust legend is known to be deeply embedded in every aspect of the cultural space –right poetry to classical opera & music, fiction, drama, painting, sculpture, and even ballet. The play has been known to be the major subject of a series of musical plays, movies, fairy tales, video games, comics, and graphic novels.
- The legend of Faust is known to specifically reflect on the moral crisis –especially during the times of cultural resonance. It reflects on the character who is quite serious about his advancing career and therefore, ingratiates himself with the Nazi regimen.
- The play also explores the idea of how primitivism and nihilism can usurp diverse cultural implications.
- The play also throws light on the life principles of finances and fascists who were known to bribe for murdering the fellow citizens. As such, the play reflects on the corrupting power of money in degrading society.
- Faust is depicted as an alcoholic, and for him, the mere theory of existence in this life is intolerable and flavorless. Being an alcoholic, he even demands several high draughts of periods of emotional intoxication.
- The main character also reveals the importance of love as he demands it from a young girl – an innocent girl. He seduces this young girl and later on, abandons her.
- Doctor Faustus is also known to emphasize the importance of spirituality. He states that only God whom he serves is his appetite.
There are several life lessons to learn from Doctor Faustus in the modern era that you can incorporate into your day-to-day life.
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