That roughly translates as "The end of logic is to dispute well", a quote directly taken from Christopher Marlowe's best known work
Doctor Faustus. Although I no longer study A2 English Literature, I decided to give it a read and had presumptions that I wouldn't enjoy it seeing as this piece of literature is classed under Gothic. However, I was pleasantly surprised.
The last time I read Gothic literature was about three years ago, when I was studying Shakespeare's
Macbeth; and I have to say, I absolutely disliked it.I found the plot quite monotonous and tiresome- but it’s the
complete opposite with Faustus.
Written during the Renaissance Era, the drama does provoke
some controversy (if not a lot). One particular example is Faustus desire to
become a being greater than God, and the way he goes about with this is to
start the practice of necromancy. Now to do this in a society where religious
decrees are held with great regard- this is highly controversial, but somewhat
entertaining. Not of the laughing sort, but with shock, like “OMG whaaat?!” But
the show doesn’t end there. He decides to sell his soul to the devil in
exchange for 24 years of life, in which he decides to engage in really (and
I mean really) stupid activities. In a way, this could represent Marlowe’s maverick ways as he
was a contentious figure himself.
What I failed to understand however, was whether Faustus was
too clever or insane.
His speech seems very controlled providing hints that he’s
beyond ambitious and arrogant – an aspect that slightly put me off.
But all in all, I found the play quite intriguing. Certainly
better than Macbeth, and I must say, it’s got me interested into Gothic
literature overall.
