PHILOSOPHY

(ASSIGNMENT#1 SEMESTER FALL-2024)

Submission Date ( October ,2024)

BY

SAKEENA MIR (23011502-069)

NOSHEELA QAMAR (23011502-70)

(Classical Drama ENG-316)

BS English (Section- B)

Submitted To

Ms. Fouzia Saleem

Department of English

UNIVERSITY OF GUJRAT
What is philosophy in Literature?
Philosophy in literature is the exploration and expression of philosophical ideas, questions, and
themes through literary works. It involves using storytelling, characters, and narrative to examine
profound topics such as existence, morality, free will, knowledge, and the meaning of life. This
blend allows abstract philosophical concepts to be communicated in more relatable and
emotional terms, giving readers a way to engage with complex ideas through the lived
experiences and dilemmas of fictional characters.

In essence, philosophy in literature bridges the gap between intellectual inquiry and human
experience, making philosophical exploration more vivid and accessible through the art of
storytelling.

Philosophy of Sophocles:
The philosophy of Sophocles, as expressed through his plays, reflects deep insights into human
nature, fate, morality, and the divine order. His works, particularly the Theban plays (Oedipus
Rex, Antigone, and Oedipus at Colonus), are some of the most profound explorations of the
human condition in ancient Greek tragedy. Some key aspects of his philosophy include:
1. Fate and Free Will:
Sophocles often explore the tension between human free will and the inescapable power of fate.
In Oedipus Rex, the protagonist struggles against a prophecy that foretells his tragic downfall.
Despite Oedipus's best efforts to avoid his fate, he ultimately fulfills it, suggesting a world where
humans have limited control over their destinies. Sophocles portray fate as a mysterious and
often cruel force that cannot be altered, no matter how hard one tries.
2. Moral Responsibility:
Even in a world governed by fate, Sophocles emphasizes personal responsibility for one's
actions. Characters like Oedipus and Creon in Antigone are held accountable for their choices,
and their tragedies arise as much from their own flaws—such as pride (hubris)—as from external
circumstances. Sophocles suggests that while fate may shape human destiny, individuals are still
responsible for their moral decisions and must face the consequences of their actions.
3. The Nature of Suffering:
Suffering is central to Sophocles' view of human existence. His tragedies often depict suffering
as an inevitable part of life, but one that also brings knowledge and wisdom. In Oedipus Rex,
Oedipus gains insight into his true identity only after enduring immense suffering. This suggests
that through suffering, humans can achieve greater self-awareness and understanding, though the
process is often painful.
4. Divine Justice and the Gods:
Sophocles' works frequently explore the relationship between humans and the gods. He portrays
the gods as powerful and inscrutable, and humans as subject to divine will. However, he also
questions the fairness of divine justice. In Antigone, the clash between human law (Creon’s
edict) and divine law (Antigone’s duty to bury her brother) raises profound questions about what
constitutes true justice. Sophocles often portrays the gods as distant and indifferent, leaving
humans to navigate moral dilemmas on their own.
5. Human Limitations:
A recurring theme in Sophocles' work is the fragility and limitations of human knowledge and
power. His characters often possess great strength, intelligence, or authority, but they are blind to
crucial truths about themselves or the world. Oedipus is a prime example—despite his
intelligence, he is ignorant of his true identity and his role in the prophecy. This reflects
Sophocles' belief in the limitations of human understanding and the unpredictability of life.

In summary, Sophocles' philosophy revolves around the tragic interplay between human agency
and the forces of fate, the inevitability of suffering, the complexities of moral responsibility, and
the ultimate limitations of human power and knowledge. His works invite contemplation of
profound existential questions, showing that even in the face of tragic outcomes, there can be
moments of revelation and wisdom.

Philosophy of Christopher Marlowe:

Christopher Marlowe's philosophy reflects the intellectual and cultural shifts of the Renaissance,
with a focus on individualism, skepticism, ambition, and the conflict between human potential
and divine or moral limitations. His works often grapple with key philosophical themes that
challenge traditional values and explore the complexities of human desire and power. Below are
the core elements of Marlowe's philosophy:
1. Humanism and Individualism:
Marlowe’s characters are often driven by a sense of personal ambition and individual potential,
embodying the Renaissance spirit of humanism. Humanism emphasized the value and agency of
human beings and encouraged a focus on personal achievement and intellectual curiosity.
Marlowe’s characters, like Doctor Faustus and Tamburlaine, exhibit this individualism by
seeking to transcend ordinary human limits.
Philosophical Idea: The potential of the individual to shape their destiny.
Marlowe’s protagonists often pursue personal power, knowledge, and greatness, showing a belief
in the human ability to strive for more, even in defiance of societal or divine constraints.
2. Skepticism of Religious Orthodoxy:
Marlowe's works reflect a deep questioning of religious doctrines, particularly the rigid Christian
teachings of his time. In Doctor Faustus, for example, the protagonist’s pursuit of knowledge
beyond the constraints of Christian theology embodies Marlowe's philosophical skepticism. This
questioning aligns with the broader Renaissance movement that began to question the authority
of the Church and sought new ways to understand the world.
Philosophical Idea: A critical attitude toward religious authority and traditional morality.
Marlowe’s exploration of figures who defy religious teachings reflects a broader Renaissance
skepticism and a desire to expand beyond the intellectual and spiritual boundaries imposed by
religious orthodoxy.
3. The Overreacher and Ambition:
One of Marlowe’s most significant philosophical contributions is his portrayal of the
“overreacher”—a character who seeks to transcend human limitations and achieve godlike power
or knowledge. This ambition, while admirable in its boldness, often leads to tragic consequences.
In works like Doctor Faustus and Tamburlaine, Marlowe presents ambition as a double-edged
sword: it is both the source of human greatness and the cause of downfall.
Philosophical Idea: The ambition to transcend human limits can lead to both glory and
destruction.
Marlowe is fascinated by human striving but also warns of the dangers of overreaching,
especially when individuals challenge divine or natural boundaries.
4. The Conflict Between Knowledge and Morality:
Marlowe’s philosophy often centers on the conflict between the pursuit of knowledge and the
moral or ethical boundaries that govern society. In Doctor Faustus, Faustus’s thirst for
knowledge leads him to make a pact with the devil, ultimately leading to his damnation. This
reflects Marlowe’s engagement with the idea that knowledge, while powerful, can come at a
moral cost.
Philosophical Idea: The pursuit of knowledge must be balanced with ethical considerations.
Marlowe suggests that there are limits to what humans should seek to know or control, and those
who transgress these boundaries (like Faustus) face severe consequences. This reflects the
Renaissance tension between intellectual freedom and moral responsibility.
5. The Nature of Power and Desire:
Marlowe often explores the nature of power, both political and intellectual, and the human desire
to dominate others or transcend natural limits. His characters frequently seek ultimate power,
whether through conquest, as in Tamburlaine, or through supernatural means, as in Doctor
Faustus. This reflects Marlowe’s philosophical concern with the seductive but dangerous allure
of power.
Philosophical Idea: The pursuit of power and desire is inherently risky and often leads to
downfall.
Marlowe’s characters who seek ultimate power are rarely satisfied, and their desire for more
often leads to their undoing, suggesting a philosophical critique of unchecked ambition.
6. The Tragic Nature of Human Existence:
Marlowe’s philosophy also reflects a tragic view of human existence. His protagonists, despite
their greatness and ambition, are ultimately doomed by their flaws and desires. This tragic vision
aligns with a Renaissance understanding of the limitations of human nature—while humans have
great potential, they are also bound by their mortality and moral frailty.
Philosophical Idea: Human greatness is intertwined with human vulnerability and limitations.
Marlowe’s works often depict the tragic consequences of human ambition, suggesting that while
striving for greatness is part of human nature, it often leads to suffering and downfall.
7. Secularism and Hedonism:
Marlowe’s characters, particularly in Doctor Faustus, are also driven by a hedonistic pursuit of
pleasure and worldly knowledge, often at the expense of spiritual salvation. This secular focus on
earthly pleasure over religious salvation reflects the Renaissance shift towards valuing human
experience in the material world, rather than solely in preparation for the afterlife.
Philosophical Idea: Secular knowledge and pleasure can be valuable but may lead to existential
consequences.
Marlowe’s characters often prioritize immediate gratification and worldly success, embodying a
secular philosophy that downplays religious concerns but ultimately reveals the limits of a life
driven purely by pleasure.

Christopher Marlowe's philosophy is characterized by an exploration of human ambition,

skepticism, individualism, and the tension between human potential and moral or divine
boundaries. His works reflect the intellectual spirit of the Renaissance, emphasizing the power of
human striving while also warning of the dangers of hubris and overreaching. Through his tragic
protagonists, Marlowe engages with profound philosophical questions about the nature of
knowledge, power, and the limits of human desire, revealing the complex interplay between
human greatness and vulnerability.

Comparative Analysis of Sophocles & Christopher Marlowe’s Philosophies:

Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex and Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus are two classical works that
explore themes of fate, free will, knowledge, and hubris, though in different cultural and
philosophical contexts. Below is a comparative analysis of their philosophies in detail with
textual references.
1. Theme of Fate and Free Will:
Both Oedipus Rex and Doctor Faustus explore the tension between fate and free will, though
they present this theme through different philosophical lenses.
Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex:
In Oedipus Rex, fate plays a dominant role, as the protagonist Oedipus is unable to escape the
destiny foretold by the oracle. Despite his attempts to change his future, every step he takes
inadvertently leads him closer to fulfilling the prophecy. The Greek belief in inescapable fate is
central to Sophocles’ worldview, showing how humans are powerless against divine will.

• Textual Reference:
• The prophecy: “You are fated to couple with your mother, you will bring a breed
of children into the light no man can bear to see—you will kill your father, the one who gave you
life!”
• When Oedipus learns the truth, he laments: “Ah, God! It was true! All the
prophecies!—Now, O Light, may I look on you for the last time!”

Here, Sophocles emphasizes that even the most noble of men cannot escape their preordained
fate, portraying fate as a powerful, unchangeable force that dictates human life.

Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus:

On the other hand, Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus presents a more nuanced interaction between fate
and free will, with Faustus choosing to make a pact with the devil, knowing full well the
consequences. While Faustus’ damnation seems inevitable by the play’s conclusion, Marlowe’s
Christian worldview suggests that Faustus could have repented and avoided his doom.
• Textual Reference:
• Faustus’ decision to embrace damnation is captured in lines like, “Had I as many
souls as there be stars, I’d give them all for Mephistopheles.”
• His realization towards the end of the play: “My God, my God, look not so fierce
on me! … I’ll burn my books.”

Faustus’ downfall stems not from fate but from his deliberate choices, his hubris, and his refusal
to seek redemption. Marlowe seems to advocate the idea that while humans may be tempted by
the allure of power, they retain the ability to choose salvation, thereby stressing personal
responsibility over fate.
2. The Role of Knowledge:
Both Oedipus and Faustus seek knowledge, though their pursuits lead to different forms of
suffering.
Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex:
Oedipus’ quest for knowledge is noble but tragic. He seeks the truth to save Thebes, but this
search ultimately leads to his ruin as he uncovers the horrific reality of his birth and crimes. In
Greek philosophy, this reflects the belief that knowledge, particularly self-knowledge, can be
dangerous and lead to suffering.
• Textual Reference:
• Oedipus’ search for truth: “I must know the truth at all costs.”
• Upon discovering his true identity, Oedipus declares: “I stand revealed—born in
shame, married in shame, an unnatural murderer.”
For Sophocles, knowledge is tied to suffering, and humans, no matter how well-intentioned, may
not be able to handle the full weight of truth.

Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus:

In contrast, Faustus seeks knowledge for personal power rather than for the greater good. His
thirst for forbidden knowledge—magic and the occult—reflects Renaissance humanism’s
emphasis on individual achievement but also warns of its dangers when pursued recklessly.
Faustus misuses his knowledge and refuses to acknowledge its moral consequences.
• Textual Reference:
• Faustus, upon signing his soul away, exclaims: “A sound magician is a mighty
god: Here, Faustus, tire thy brains to gain a deity.”
• Later, in a moment of regret: “O soul, be changed into little water-drops, and fall
into the ocean, ne’er be found!”

Marlowe’s Faustus illustrates the peril of unchecked ambition and knowledge that is pursued for
selfish gain. Unlike Oedipus, who seeks knowledge for others, Faustus is driven by ego, leading
to a tragic downfall that could have been avoided.

3. Hubris and its Consequences:

The concept of hubris, or excessive pride, is central to both plays, though it manifests differently
in each protagonist.
Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex:
Oedipus’ hubris is displayed in his belief that he can outsmart the gods and change his fate. His
tragic flaw (hamartia) is his inability to recognize his limitations and his insistence that he has
control over his own destiny.
• Textual Reference:
• Oedipus’ confrontation with Teiresias: “Do you think you can keep it hidden, you
and your scheming? That you can get away with this?”
• Oedipus believes he can solve the riddle of his birth as he solved the riddle of the
Sphinx, demonstrating his excessive confidence in human reason.
Sophocles portrays hubris as an affront to the gods and divine order, leading to catastrophic
consequences. Oedipus is punished not for immoral actions, but for the prideful belief that he
could escape the fate decreed by the gods.

Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus:

Faustus’ hubris lies in his overconfidence in his intellectual abilities and his desire to be like
God. His pact with Mephistopheles represents the ultimate act of hubris—seeking to transcend
human limitations and gain god-like power.
• Textual Reference:
• Faustus’ pride in his decision: “This night I’ll conjure, though I die therefore.”
• His belief that he can escape damnation, even at the last minute, is expressed
when he says, “The clock strikes twelve: despair doth drive distrust into my thoughts.”
Marlowe uses Faustus to critique Renaissance ideals of individualism and ambition, suggesting
that without humility and a moral compass, such ambitions can lead to damnation. Faustus’
hubris blinds him to the consequences of his actions, and he refuses multiple opportunities to
repent, which results in eternal suffering.

4. Moral and Philosophical Outlook:

Sophocles’ and Marlowe’s works reflect the moral and philosophical concerns of their respective
cultures—classical Greece and Renaissance Europe.

Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex:

Sophocles’ play is steeped in Greek fatalism and the idea that human suffering is an inevitable
part of life. The gods’ will is inscrutable, and attempting to defy it only leads to disaster.
Sophocles conveys a worldview where human agency is limited and individuals must accept
their fates, no matter how painful.
• Textual Reference:
• Oedipus, reflecting on his fate: “It was Apollo, friends, Apollo, that brought this
bitterness, my sorrows to completion.”
Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus:
Marlowe’s play reflects the Christian context of Renaissance England, where salvation and
damnation are central themes. Unlike Oedipus, Faustus has a clear path to redemption but rejects
it. Marlowe emphasizes that free will and personal responsibility are crucial and that individuals
are ultimately responsible for their own salvation or damnation.

• Textual Reference:
• The Good Angel’s plea: “Faustus, repent yet, God will pity thee.”

Critics on Sophocles' Oedipus Rex Philosophy:

Critics often examine the deterministic nature of Oedipus Rex, arguing that Sophocles presents a
world where fate governs all human actions. According to Alister Cameron, Oedipus’ downfall is
inevitable, a consequence of fate and prophecy that predestined his life. Cameron notes,
“Oedipus is a mere puppet in the hands of destiny, with his actions serving only to bring the
prophecy to completion” (Cameron, 1965, p. 73). This deterministic view has led many
scholars to claim that Oedipus Rex portrays the limitations of human agency in the face of divine
will.

In contrast, other scholars, such as Bernard Knox, highlight the role of Oedipus’ intellectual
hubris and self-assurance in leading to his downfall. Knox states, "Oedipus falls because of his
unyielding belief in his own intellectual power to solve the mysteries of the world" (Knox,
1984, p. 127). This interpretation underscores the tragic irony in Oedipus' quest for knowledge:
his pursuit of truth ultimately leads to his ruin.

Furthermore, critics like E.R. Dodds argue that Oedipus Rex also delves into the concept of
moral responsibility. Although Oedipus is fated to commit patricide and incest, Dodds
emphasizes, “He is responsible because he chooses freely to pursue his inquiry” (Dodds,
1966, p. 39). This interpretation adds complexity to the debate over fate versus free will,
suggesting that Sophocles might be suggesting a balance between the two forces.

Critics on Marlowe's Doctor Faustus Philosophy:

In contrast to the fatalism of Oedipus Rex, Doctor Faustus embodies Renaissance individualism,
where free will and ambition become central themes. Critics such as J.B. Steane argue that
Faustus is a symbol of Renaissance humanism and the belief in the power of the individual.
Steane comments, “Faustus embodies the Renaissance spirit of questing knowledge and the
confidence that man could break free from traditional religious dogmas" (Steane, 1969, p.
58).

Yet, Faustus’ tragic flaw is his overreaching ambition, which leads many critics to interpret
Doctor Faustus as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hubris. As David Bevington observes,
"Faustus’s insatiable desire for power and knowledge reflects not only human aspiration
but also the risks of rejecting divine authority" (Bevington, 1993, p. 94). This aligns with the
Christian moral framework of the play, where Faustus’ ultimate damnation serves as a warning
against transgressing divine limits.

Several scholars, such as John D. Jump, have debated whether Faustus’ fate is sealed by his
pact with the devil or whether he retains the potential for redemption. Jump argues, “Despite
the pact, Marlowe leaves room for Faustus to repent, suggesting that Faustus’s damnation
is the result of his own stubbornness, not an irreversible predestination” (Jump, 1962, p.
112). This interpretation shifts the focus from fatalism to moral choice, positioning Faustus as a
figure who, unlike Oedipus, retains the agency to change his fate but chooses not to.

Comparative Philosophical Criticism:

Comparing the two works, Charles Segal draws attention to the differing conceptions of fate and
free will in Oedipus Rex and Doctor Faustus. Segal notes, "Whereas Sophocles seems to imply
that the gods' will is inescapable, Marlowe emphasizes the personal responsibility of the
protagonist in determining his fate" (Segal, 1981, p. 55). This distinction highlights the
divergent views of human agency in classical Greek tragedy versus Renaissance drama.

Meanwhile, Critic Harry Levin contrasts the tragic heroes’ quests for knowledge, asserting that
Oedipus seeks knowledge to avert disaster, while Faustus seeks it for personal gain. Levin
writes, "Oedipus’s search is motivated by a desire to save his city, while Faustus’s thirst for
knowledge is rooted in self-interest and the desire for power" (Levin, 1952, p. 81). This
contrast underlines the differing moral consequences of their respective quests.

Conclusion:
In summary, Oedipus Rex and Doctor Faustus present two different philosophical outlooks on
fate, free will, knowledge, and hubris. Sophocles suggests that humans are bound by fate and that
the pursuit of knowledge leads to suffering, while Marlowe, through Faustus, explores the
Renaissance tension between human ambition and divine salvation, emphasizing the importance
of free will and personal responsibility. Both plays, however, offer a timeless reflection on the
human condition and the consequences of overreaching ambition.

References:
• Bevington, D. (1993). Marlowe's Doctor Faustus: Text and Major Criticism. Bedford/St.
Martin's.
• Cameron, A. (1965). Sophocles and the Tragic Tradition. Routledge.
• Dodds, E. R. (1966). The Greeks and the Irrational. University of California Press.
• Jump, J. D. (1962). Marlowe: Doctor Faustus. Macmillan.
• Knox, B. (1984). Oedipus at Thebes. Yale University Press.
• Levin, H. (1952). The Overreacher: A Study of Christopher Marlowe. Harvard University
Press.
• Segal, C. (1981). Tragedy and Civilization: An Interpretation of Sophocles. Harvard
University Press.
• Steane, J. B. (1969). Marlowe: A Critical Study. Cambridge University Press.