The Faust Legend presents Dr Faustus as a scholar – why do you think this is important?

1) The Faust Legend presents Dr Faustus as a scholar – why do you think this is important? What does it say about his relationship to knowledge and the philosophy and how does it affect his connection with the devil?

2) Marlowe, in his play, extends the opening moments and allows the audience to consider Faust from a different perspective. Why is Marlowe’s Faust eager to call on the devil? Is his choice more or less appealing / acceptable than that in the original Legend?

3) Consider the philosophical discussions between Faust and Mephistopheles in both the Legend and the Play. What kind of changes does Marlowe make? What is he trying to say to his audience that the Legend does not?

4) Marlowe pens Faustus as a Tragedy – is Faustus a true tragic hero, one whose fall is centered around his own tragic flaw? Explain.