Blog #3 The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe Part 3
Quote: “Cut is the branch that might have grown full straight, And burned is Apollo's laurel-bough, That sometime grew within this learned man.”
This quote, spoken by the chorus at the end of the play, is a metaphor for Faustus's corruption over the course of the play. The "laurel-bough" was the symbol of victory to the ancient Greeks, and it represents the fact that Faustus was intelligent and talented and had the potential to do great things. The fact that it is burned represents the way that he wastes his talents in summoning demons and ruins his life with the evil he brings upon himself. He becomes corrupted by the power that he gains by selling his soul.
And here I will call to mind that quote (I guess it's something of a cliche by now, but it's perfectly applicable for this story): "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Faustus becomes corrupted by his intelligence and desire to pursue new goals which lead him to try magic and then make a deal with Satan himself. Then the power he receives corrupts him even more and he becomes arrogant and often unkind. This theme manifests itself not only in literature but also many times in real life, especially with countries' governments.
P.S.- Despite the creepiness of the ending, I enjoyed reading this book/play. Thanks for the recommendation. :)
The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe
Part 3
Quote:
“Cut is the branch that might have grown full straight,
And burned is Apollo's laurel-bough,
That sometime grew within this learned man.”
This quote, spoken by the chorus at the end of the play, is a metaphor for Faustus's corruption over the course of the play. The "laurel-bough" was the symbol of victory to the ancient Greeks, and it represents the fact that Faustus was intelligent and talented and had the potential to do great things. The fact that it is burned represents the way that he wastes his talents in summoning demons and ruins his life with the evil he brings upon himself. He becomes corrupted by the power that he gains by selling his soul.
And here I will call to mind that quote (I guess it's something of a cliche by now, but it's perfectly applicable for this story): "Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Faustus becomes corrupted by his intelligence and desire to pursue new goals which lead him to try magic and then make a deal with Satan himself. Then the power he receives corrupts him even more and he becomes arrogant and often unkind. This theme manifests itself not only in literature but also many times in real life, especially with countries' governments.
P.S.- Despite the creepiness of the ending, I enjoyed reading this book/play. Thanks for the recommendation. :)