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Thursday 3 March 2011

YEAR 13 - LITB3 TEXTS AND GENRES - 'DR FAUSTUS'

The Tragical History of Dr Faustus 

This sublime tragedy in blank verse, with comic episodes in prose, resembles, as we discussed, a medieval morality play in that its main theme is Faustus's sacrifice of his soul to the devil (represented by Mephistopheles) for the sake of unlimited power, glory and enjoyment in this world for 24 years (make notes on all that Faustus says and hopes that the selling of his soul will give him, and let's see if it happens).  It is also Renaissance, certainly in its convincing treatment of the conflict of choice (something that would not have been done in a morality play), and in its psychology, not just of Faustus but also of Mephistopheles, which is presented with moving insight.  You were all intrigued by the character of Mephistopheles and were asking thoughtful questions about his character and his relationship with Faustus- very well done JE!  I'd like you to re-read Scene 3 before next Monday's lesson and, as always, bring your thoughts, ideas and opinions!


Watch the video of the making of the Royal Exchange Theatre's production of 'Dr Faustus' - see  how Patrick O'Kane (Faustus) and Ian Redford (Mephistopheles) prepared for the performance: very useful for revision.  They obviously had a great professional rapport and relationship, does that make a difference in the performance, and do you think that that is part of the relationship between Faustus and MephistophelesThen watch the trailer - it's 'ravishing' and makes you wish you could see it all again.  The photo-montage is also useful for putting faces to characters from this production rather than the current DVD that we're looking at.









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