Pride: The Tragic Downfall of Faustus Christopher Marlowes Tragical History of Doctor Faustus is about a man who seeks power that comes from knowledge beyond the human realm. Throughout the story, theseven deadly sins are shown and have an impact on Dr. Faustus during his search forultimate power. However, it is one of these vices of the seven deadly sins that plays aparticular and key role in his demise. Pride, creates Dr. Faustus inability to repent,therefore ultimately resulting in his death. His fall is caused by the same pride andambition that caused the fall of angels in heaven, and of humanity in the Garden of Eden(Abrams 768). Faustus fall is foreshadowed during his first encounter with a devil,inquiring of the reason for Lucifers exile in hell.FAUSTUS. How comes it then that he is prince of devils?MEPHASTOPHILIS. O, by aspiring pride and insolence For which God threw him from the face of Heaven. (scene 3, 66-68)An eternity in hell becomes Dr. Faustus fate, a fate determined by his ownirrational decisions. Although he is a well-educated scholar, traits of arrogance,selfishness, and pride hinder his judgment. Dr. Faustus troubles begin when he cravespower and knowledge beyond human capacity. Bored with his great knowledge, he wishesto find another subject to study to pacify himself and achieve happiness. FAUSTUS. Then read no more, thou hast attained the end; A greater subject fitteth Faustus wit.(scene , 10-11)By making a deal with the devil, Faustus trades his soul for satisfaction, and a greater fieldof study. He is selfish--wanting knowledge, power, and fun without having to work ortake responsibility for it. As result of his selfish desires, he signs a contract with his bloodtrading his soul for his desires, eternal peace for eternal anguish, thus beginning hishardships..Throughout the twenty-four year period in which Faustus has power andknowledge, his pride is constant and emerges in several scenes. Evidence of thi...
