Not Just the Tudors Dr Faustus: Pacts with the Devil
Mar 24, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Professor Emma Smith, an authority on early modern drama from Oxford, joins in to dissect Marlowe's iconic 'Dr. Faustus.' They delve into the play's dark themes of ambition and the pursuit of knowledge, considering its moral implications. The conversation unveils how Faustus humanizes the devil, the impact of audience reactions on Renaissance theatre, and the timeless echoes of the Faustian pact in modern culture. They even explore the theatrical innovations that brought the supernatural to life for Elizabethan audiences.
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Dr. Faustus Rehearsal
- Actors rehearsing Dr. Faustus saw an extra person, possibly the devil.
- This mystique added to the play's spectacle and questions of reality.
Real-Life Inspiration
- Marlowe's Dr. Faustus was inspired by a real-life German necromancer.
- The play draws on folklore about devilish bargains but subverts expectations.
Supernatural and Science
- The supernatural in Elizabethan drama was popular and linked to natural science.
- John Dee, like Faustus, blended scientific and supernatural pursuits.
