gence and ambition make him a respected figure at the beginning.
Tragic Flaw (Hamartia): The most important characteristic of a tragic hero is a tragic flaw. It means a serious weakness or mistake that causes his downfall. Faustus’s tragic flaw is his pride and high ambition. He is not happy with what he knows. He wants more knowledge and power. He wants to be like God and control the world. So, he defies God and chooses necromancy. He says:
“A sound magician is a mighty god.”
This pride is also known as Hubris. He makes a deal with Lucifer. He sells his soul in exchange for 24 years of unlimited power and wealth. This tragic flaw leads to his downfall.
Bad Choices and Reversal of Fate (Peripeteia): A tragic hero is not just unlucky—he makes bad choices. Faustus is warned many times. The Good Angel tells him to leave magic and pray to God:
“O, Faustus, lay that damned book aside.”
An old man in the play tells him to repent before it is too late. Even Mephistophilis warns him that hell is real and full of suffering. Faustus ignores all these warnings. His choice to continue the path of satan brings his tragic end. His reversal of fate is complete; from a respected scholar, he becomes a cursed magician.
Recognition of Mistakes (Anagnorisis): A tragic hero realizes his mistake too late. Faustus enjoys his magical powers: he plays tricks on people, entertains kings, and calls the spirit of Helen for his lustful desire. He says:
“Sweet Helen, make me immortal with a kiss.”
At the end, Faustus finally understands his mistake. He realizes he has been fooled by the devil and wasted his life. He is terrified of hell, but it is too late. In extreme fear, he says:
“Mountains and hills, come, come, and fall on me
And hide me from the heavy wrath of God!”
The clock strikes midnight, and devils drag him to hell. Faustus’s fear and regret in the last scene show his realization of his mistakes.
Catharsis: Catharsis is the massive suffering of the tragic hero that arouses pity and fear among the audience. As midnight comes, Faustus begs for more time. He cries out for God’s help, but the devils come to take him away. This moment makes us feel pity and fear. Faustus’s fear and regret remind us that even a great scholar like Faustus can fall.
In conclusion, Doctor Faustus is a perfect example of a tragic hero. He starts as a great scholar but falls because of his pride and greed for power. Hence, his damnation is justified. Faustus’s final realization and suffering make him a truly tragic figure. His story teaches us an important lesson: too much pride and ambition can destroy a person.
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