Dr.
Faustus — Short Paragraph Answers
1. Discuss the Character of Dr. Faustus
Dr. Faustus is the central character of Christopher Marlowe’s play. He is a brilliant scholar
who has mastered traditional subjects like medicine, law, and divinity, but he is not
satisfied with their limits. His deep desire for power and knowledge leads him to study
magic. Faustus’s intelligence is matched by his pride and ambition. He wants god-like
abilities and makes a deal with the devil to achieve them. In the end, his misuse of
knowledge leads to his tragic downfall.
2. Dr. Faustus as a Tragic Hero
Dr. Faustus is a tragic hero because he is a great man brought down by his own flaw. He
has exceptional knowledge and potential, but his pride and ambition become his
weakness. His desire to gain unlimited power leads him to sell his soul to Lucifer. Even
though he receives warnings from good angels and signs from God, he refuses to repent.
In the end, he realizes his mistake, but it is too late. His fall from greatness because of his
flaw makes him a true tragic hero.
3. Dr. Faustus as a Typical Renaissance Man
Dr. Faustus represents the spirit of the Renaissance, a time when people were curious,
ambitious, and focused on human achievements. He questions old religious traditions and
turns toward magic and science to explore new knowledge. His thirst for discovery and
desire for power reflect Renaissance values of humanism and intellectual growth.
Faustus’s actions show the typical Renaissance attitude of challenging limits and seeking
to control one’s destiny.
4. Meaning and Significance of 'Homo, fuge!'
The Latin words 'Homo, fuge!' appear on Faustus’s arm after he signs the contract with
Mephistophilis. The phrase means 'Man, fly!' or 'Man, escape!' It is a divine warning, giving
Faustus a chance to turn back before it is too late. This moment symbolizes the inner
struggle between good and evil within him. Although he is warned by God, Faustus
ignores it because of his pride and desire for power. The words highlight that he still had
the opportunity to repent but chose not to.
5. The Five Conditions in Faustus’s Agreement
When Faustus makes his pact with Lucifer, he lists five important conditions. First, he will
become a spirit in both form and substance. Second, Mephistophilis will be his servant and
bring him whatever he desires. Third, Mephistophilis must obey all of Faustus’s
commands. Fourth, he will protect Faustus’s body and soul from harm. Finally,
Mephistophilis must appear in any shape Faustus wishes. In return, Faustus agrees to
give his soul to Lucifer after twenty-four years of magical powers.
