Dr. Faustus

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Dr. Faustus tells the story of a middle-aged man who, disillusioned by the futility

and restraint of life, rejects reason and God in favor of the power supplied by the Devil.

This descent calls into question the reason for the disillusionment and the damning choice

of Diabolism. Certain words and specific thematic elements, within Dr. Faustus, provide

an insight into the mind of the character.

Dr. Faustus staunchly rejects his old beliefs of God, yet they still permeate his

thoughts as seen through his speech and treatment of magic. His descent into darkness is

not a passage into evil but tragic path of self-destruction.


In the very beginning of Faustus’ speech he says, “How I am glutted with conceit

of this,” (Marlowe 1.1.79). The word conceit in this instance elicits several meanings,

two in particular will be investigated and their validity within the speech shown.

The first meaning of conceit deals with the idea of understanding. Faustus, then, is

full with the understanding of magic and its capabilities. Ultimately, though, he simply

wants magic to satisfy his desires, as he goes on to describe in many words but little

depth. As one looks at the little detail presented, and at the broad spectrum of his desires,

it is easy to infer that Faustus has little real understanding either of magic or his desires.

The second definition of conceit implies that the word is synonymous with

fantasy. So one can then infer that Faustus is filled with this fanciful notion that is magic.

“Resolve me of all ambiguities […] and search all the corners of the new found world,”

(Marlowe 1.1.81-85). His vague desires and huge expectations of magic as a device seem

to make more sense if one looks at the idea Faustus is overcome by fantasy.

Unfortunately the meaning of the work within the speech comes not only from its

definition, but also form the context in ...