CSP
A tragic hero is a character in literature, often a protagonist, who possesses admirable qualities but is flawed in a way that leads to his downfall. This concept, rooted in classical Greek drama, has been explored in various forms throughout literary history. One such tragic hero is Doctor Faustus, the titular character in Christopher Marlowe’s play “Doctor Faustus.”
Doctor Faustus can be considered a tragic hero because he embodies the essential elements of this literary archetype. He is a highly intelligent and learned man, a scholar of great prowess. However, his tragic flaw lies in his insatiable thirst for knowledge and power, coupled with a willingness to make a pact with the devil to achieve his ambitions. This fatal decision sets the stage for Faustus’s eventual downfall.
One of the key characteristics of a tragic hero is a hamartia, or tragic flaw. In the case of Doctor Faustus, his flaw is his overwhelming hubris and ambition. Faustus’s pride and desire for unlimited knowledge lead him to engage in necromancy, summoning the demon Mephistopheles and eventually making a pact with Lucifer himself. Faustus’s tragic flaw is evident in his own words as he expresses his discontent with traditional studies:
“Divinity, adieu! These metaphysics of magicians, And necromantic books are heavenly.”
Here, Faustus dismisses traditional academic pursuits in favor of forbidden and supernatural knowledge, foreshadowing his tragic path.
Another characteristic of a tragic hero is the reversal of fortune, known as peripeteia. Faustus experiences a dramatic shift in his circumstances as he initially revels in the power granted to him by the demonic pact. However, this newfound power is short-lived, and Faustus ultimately faces the consequences of his actions. The turning point is palpable in Faustus’s lamentation:
“I am a servant to great Lucifer And may not follow thee without his leave.”
These lines mark the beginning of Faustus’s descent into despair, as he realizes the gravity of his choices and the impending doom that awaits him.
The concept of anagnorisis, or self-discovery, is also present in Faustus’s character. As the consequences of his pact become increasingly evident, Faustus undergoes a profound realization about the consequences of his actions. He acknowledges his impending damnation with a sense of regret and despair:
“Oh, I’ll leap up to my God! Who pulls me down? See, see where Christ’s blood streams in the firmament!”
These lines reveal Faustus’s internal struggle and his recognition of the gravity of his choices, showcasing the classic tragic hero’s journey toward self-awareness.
Furthermore, Doctor Faustus’s ultimate downfall evokes feelings of catharsis in the audience. The audience, having witnessed Faustus’s journey and observed the consequences of his tragic flaw, experiences a purging of emotions as they reflect on the inevitable fate of a character who once held great promise.
In conclusion, Doctor Faustus is a classic example of a tragic hero. His intellectual brilliance, combined with fatal flaws of pride and ambition, lead him down a path of destruction. Through the elements of hamartia, peripeteia, anagnorisis, and catharsis, Marlowe masterfully crafts Faustus’s tragic narrative. The play serves as a timeless exploration of the human condition, reminding us of the consequences that may befall those who succumb to the allure of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of forbidden knowledge.