Doctor Faustus: Original 1604 Version vs. Revised 1616 Version

The play "Doctor Faustus" is a classic work of English literature that has captivated audiences for centuries. Written by Christopher Marlowe, the play tells the tale of a brilliant scholar who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for knowledge and power. The original version of the play was written in 1604, but it was later revised in 1616. The two versions of the play have some significant differences, which provide insight into the evolution of Marlowe's thinking and the changing attitudes towards the themes of the play.

The Original 1604 Version

The original 1604 version of "Doctor Faustus" is a more straightforward morality play than the revised version. The play focuses on the dangers of ambition and the consequences of sin. Faustus is a brilliant scholar who is not satisfied with the limits of human knowledge. He desires to know more about the world and to experience all that it has to offer. In his quest for knowledge, he makes a pact with the devil, Lucifer. Lucifer grants Faustus 24 years of service from Mephistopheles, a demon who will answer all of his questions and fulfill his desires.

Doctor Faustus – Original 1604 Version & Revised 1616 Version

by Christopher Marlowe

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1229 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	181 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE

Faustus's initial joy at his newfound knowledge and power soon turns to sorrow and despair. He realizes that he has made a terrible mistake. He has sold his soul to the devil, and there is no turning back. The play ends with Faustus being dragged to hell by Lucifer, a gruesome reminder of the wages of sin.

The Revised 1616 Version

The revised 1616 version of "Doctor Faustus" is a more complex and nuanced play than the original version. Marlowe adds new scenes and characters to the play, and he also revises the ending. In the revised version, Faustus is not simply a victim of his own ambition. He is also a victim of the forces of good and evil that are vying for his soul.

The play opens with a prologue that introduces the Chorus, who serves as a narrator and commentator on the action. The Chorus tells the audience that Faustus is a man who is "too ambitious," and that he will eventually come to a bad end. The Chorus also introduces the Seven Deadly Sins, who will tempt Faustus throughout the play.

The revised version of the play also includes a new character, Good Angel. The Good Angel tries to warn Faustus of the dangers of his pact with the devil, but Faustus ignores his warnings.

The ending of the revised version of the play is also different from the original version. In the revised version, Faustus is not simply dragged to hell by Lucifer. He is given a chance to repent, but he ultimately chooses to reject God's mercy. As a result, he is condemned to eternal damnation.

Comparison of the Two Versions

The original 1604 version of "Doctor Faustus" is a more straightforward morality play than the revised version. The play focuses on the dangers of ambition and the consequences of sin. The revised 1616 version is a more complex and nuanced play that explores the themes of good and evil, free will, and redemption.

The two versions of the play also differ in their characterization of Faustus. In the original version, Faustus is a more one-dimensional character. He is a brilliant scholar who is driven by ambition. In the revised version, Faustus is a more complex character. He is still ambitious, but he is also a victim of the forces of good and evil that are vying for his soul.

The ending of the two versions of the play is also different. In the original version, Faustus is simply dragged to hell by Lucifer. In the revised version, Faustus is given a chance to repent, but he ultimately chooses to reject God's mercy. As a result, he is condemned to eternal damnation.

The two versions of "Doctor Faustus" are both fascinating and compelling plays. The original version is a more straightforward morality play, while the revised version is a more complex and nuanced exploration of the themes of good and evil, free will, and redemption. Both versions of the play have something to offer readers and audiences today, and they continue to be studied and performed around the world.

Doctor Faustus – Original 1604 Version & Revised 1616 Version

by Christopher Marlowe

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1229 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	181 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported
X-Ray for textbooks	:	Enabled

FREE