Reviews

Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe

audreylee's review against another edition

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challenging dark slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

erk_sndr's review against another edition

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challenging dark reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

reneeharper72's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

elissapadilla's review against another edition

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dark reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

sj_books's review against another edition

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4.0

Move over Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe's Dr Faustus is much more entertaining and fun to read.

hangmansson's review against another edition

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4.0

Faustus studied everything there is to study and upon closing the last book, contemplates the meaninglessness of it all. Why attempt to make cures when we all die? Why try to be good when we are inherently selfish? Faustus makes a deal with the devil and sells his soul to have 24 years on Earth with magical power. Faustus pendulum-swings between uncertainty and contentment. At every moment that he almost repents he's reeled back into his suffering. It leaves you to wonder- why? The contract is utterly meaningless. Let's make this clear: Satan and Mephistopheles do not need to bow down to Faustus' wishes. Faustus presents the contract as a way to attract Lucifer's attention not because they need to come to an agreement. On the other hand, the contract is meaningless to Faustus as well, as he can repent at any moment, be forgiven, and have the whole charade come to an end. Mephistopheles' parlor tricks are just a search for increasing novelty in life. So why does Faustus choose to suffer? The contract and the letting of blood act as an emotional commitment to his decision. Throughout the play, Faustus consistently convinces himself he can't be forgiven; he believes himself to be broken and different from the others. Ultimately, this is what drives his suffering. He believes he needs to be better than he is and his thirst for control comes from a separation he feels from those around him. Faustus is left to live in a constant state of indecisiveness and never reaches peace with reality until his death, where he must live with the consequences of his actions. "Fools that will laugh on earth must weep in hell"

beeee_reads's review against another edition

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4.0

as far as classics go, not bad at all!

ladyestuary's review against another edition

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5.0

I really enjoyed this play. My grandfather recommended this to me a few years ago. This work made me laugh and gasp at some of the events that took place. Would love to see it performed one day.

pari27's review against another edition

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2.0

First time reading this after ms Susan’s 8th grade lang and lit class. Still a bad book. Who would’ve thunk. 

fedeapi's review against another edition

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dark funny mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75