...Michael Erobu Professor Vickey Daley English 236 8 October 2014 Vanity and Greed Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s literary work of the story “Faust” can easily be compared and contrasted to the film The Devil’s Advocate. Though there may be a large time span between the two works they both are able to convey the same main theme. By dealing with the ever present vanity and greed of human nature, both works are able to have the same major plot and theme though almost two centuries apart. Both have just about the same character relationship, the main character of the story is brought vain success by the antagonist and thus the antagonist is tries to make a deal to the protagonist to sell their souls. The first comparison between the story of “Faust” and the film The Devil’s advocate are the similarities between the two protagonists. They are both men who want more in life. In “Faust”, Faust is a scholar who wants to know the purpose of life. He is in despair about his life thus far and in search of purpose, love and power. He has had so many scholastic achievements he feels there is nothing more for him to learn from books. “Faust has studied all of the major subjects in which a Renaissance scholar could receive a degree, so can be understood to have exhausted traditional learning” (Brians 2). In The Devil’s advocate, Kevin Lomax is a vain lawyer in the small town of Gainesville, Florida. Though he is very successful as a lawyer there he isn’t doing or making as much as he knows...
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...Faust: The First Part of the Tragedy Summary The next day Faust is alone in his study again. Mephistopheles enters, dressed as a nobleman. He tries to tempt Faust by offering him a life of limitless wealth and pleasure, but Faust sadly declines the offer, saying that the world's pleasures cannot end his doubts or satisfy his needs. Mephistopheles taunts Faust for his failure to commit suicide on Easter Eve and drives him to voice a rejection of the value of life and the traditional Christian virtues. The devil urges Faust to begin a new life with his assistance, and to exist no longer as an ordinary human being. If Faust agrees to become his servant after death (i.e. to sell his soul), Mephisto will be his during life and will guarantee to provide all that Faust desires. Faust accepts this offer with some hesitation, for he doubts Mephisto's ability to fulfill his end of the bargain, but makes a significant change in the wording of the pact. Faust promises that if any moment, however brief, is so charged with pleasure for him that he says, "Linger a while! Thou art so fair!" that will be the day of his death and he will serve the devil forever after. Analysis Mephisto's costume in this scene is a reminder to Faust of the narrow limitations on the world in which he has been living until now. Faust's change in wording recalls the divine law that action is the ruling force of the universe, and raises the story of this Faust to a higher philosophical level than that of the...
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...mere theologian, so he opts instead to study magic Act 1 Scene 1 * Meet Faustus, he’s busy figuring out what he wants to do with his life – he mulls over the options: philosophy, medicine, law – he rejects them all for being too boring and too pointless * Every time he reads the Bible Faustus can’t help but conclude that man’s sins give him no hope of heaven anyways * Faustus decides to study magic because a magician is almost like a god * He tells his servant Wagner to fetch Valdes and Cornelius, his friends, who happen to be a couple of magicians * Before they stop by the Good Angel enters and tells Faustus to lay the books of magic aside and to read the scriptures instead * Bad Angel disagrees & thinks Faust should go ahead with his plan because he’ll be godlike * Faustus is convinced and begins to wax poetic about all the thing he’ll do once he masters magic – especially excited about the whole power aspect * Valdes and Cornelius enter and Faustus gives them the good news that he wants to be a magician finally * Valdes thinks its awesome and tells Faustus that through their studies of magic, they’ll gain the spirits as their slaves and accumulate unimaginable wealth * Cornelius says that Faustus already knows the basic principles of magic, since he’s learned in...
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...A Life in Moderation Meden Agan, is a Greek saying that was in scripted on the temple of Apollo meaning “nothing in excess.” This quote signifies that everything should be done in moderation. Practicing moderation becomes difficult when the person does not have a strong sense of self-control against temptation. In the play, Doctor Faustus, this concept of resisting temptation and moderation is seen throughout the play. Everything in moderation is a principle of life that helps protect one’s life from harm. Knowledge is seen as power especially in the play, Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe. This play was written during the Renaissance, which literally means “rebirth”. During this time, people were exploring theories in various studies such as physics, astronomy and biological sciences. Even though it was a time of exploration and discovery, the Roman Catholic Church still played a huge role in the every day lives of the people. The church enforced a strict hierarchal system where everything had a particular place in society. This strict atmosphere that was created by the church was hypocritical to the changing times. People were exploring and learning about things that were once forbidden knowledge. Prior to this movement of exploration, the church held the ultimate power. The people were illiterate and were forced to believe the doctrines of the church. The Renaissance sparked curiosity in people to learn about topics that had not been studied before...
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...Faustus is a medieval morality play with a late Renaissance temper. Despite its conformity to the later morality plays, ‘Dr. Faustus’ is by no means an evidence of the thorough change of spirit in Marlowe. Faustus is too stiff necked a pursuer to deny the medieval morality tradition. Here we see the typical temptation by no evil figure. Rather we see a knowing Faustus deliberately setting himself upon an evil course. The supernatural context of Faustus’ tragedy and the central importance of the theological concepts of evil and suffering within that context distinguish it from all other tragedies of the time, and suggest its relationship to the Eng morality play. Even though Marlowe’s play seems by and large to grow directly from the English Faust Book rather than from the stage tradition of the moralities, there is no doubt that the morality tradition provided Marlowe with both its thematic precedence and devices of dramaturgy on which to draw. Hardin Craig’s definition of a morality play as the presentation of man in the post lapsarian situation, where he is destined to die in sin unless he be saved by the intervention of Divine Grace and by repentance, is very certainly and properly applicable to “Dr. Faustus”. This general thematic import of morality play was very characteristically embodied in a dramatic structure defined by the conflict of the abstract forces of Good and Evil in the hero’s soul, who represented all mankind Undoubtedly, the conflict between the forces of Good...
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...Greenlee 1 Aiesha Greenlee Mrs. Parker English 102 08/11/2010 Christopher Marlowe’s Dr. Faustus: Knowledge is Powerful or Fatal Everyone has heard of the old saying, “knowledge is power” which is true in some cases. There is some knowledge that should not be obtained. This is known as the forbidden knowledge. It is described as books or any other information that is restricted. Christopher Marlowe’s, “Dr. Faustus,” is a prime example of taken forbidden knowledge. There is a reason why this knowledge is forbidden. The consequences of using the knowledge are usually fatal. Nothing good comes out of it. Throughout the drama of “Dr. Faustus,” the main character experiences his rise with the forbidden knowledge but this hero also is lead to a fatal damnation because of the journey he chooses. Faustus plan to learn the power of black magic also known as the forbidden knowledge leads the tragic hero to his path of corruption and soon to be damnation to hell. The decision for Faustus is merely based on Faustus own character flaw of pride. “Considers logic…but notes that disputing well seems to be the only good of logic…considers medicine…he has achieved great renown as a doctor already…considers law…but dismisses law Greenlee 2 as to petty…religion and theology seems to offer wider vistas and finds the Bible’s assertion ‘the reward of sin is death’ and unacceptable...
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...Things aren’t always as they appear to be. This is true in John Faustus’s case in terms of his relationship with Mephistopheles and in turn the devil himself. Poor Faustus believes it is he who has called upon the demon Mephistopheles and it is his tongue that orders the servant of hell, yet he could not be any more mistaken. In reality, Faustus is the one with strings attached to him and it is Lucifer, Mephistopheles, and the Evil Angel playing the role of the puppeteer. Nevertheless, Faustus remains a student to the ideology of Christianity throughout his adventures, even amongst the bleakest of hours. God never leaves the side of John Faustus, as He relentlessly tries to bring Faustus back onto the path of righteousness. Though it was indeed Doctor Faustus that summed the evil form of Mephistopheles and bargained with the devil for control over him, it is really Faustus who is being controlled by the Evil Trinity. The Doctors free will, one of the distinguishing factors of humankind, one of Gods greatest gifts given to man, has been taken away from him. The Evil Trinity is subtly controlling his every move, poking and prodding him so that he stays on the path they have laid out for him, the path to Hell. Whenever Faustus begins to question his decision and seek repentance, either Mephistopheles distracts him with earthly pleasures or facts of hell, the Evil Angel whispers some doubt in his ear, or the Devil himself appears and threatens John that it is all over and far too...
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...The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe From the Quarto of 1604 Edited by Rev. Alexander Dyce THE TRAGICALL HISTORY OF D. FAUSTUS. AS IT HATH BENE ACTED BY THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARLE OF NOTTINGHAM HIS SERUANTS. WRITTEN BY CH. MARL. 2 In reprinting this edition, I have here and there amended the text by means of the later 4tos,--1616, 1624, 1631.—Of 4to 1663, which contains various comparatively modern alterations and additions, I have made no use. DRAMATIS PERSONAE. THE POPE. CARDINAL OF LORRAIN. THE EMPEROR OF GERMANY. DUKE OF VANHOLT. FAUSTUS. VALDES, ] friends to FAUSTUS. CORNELIUS, ] WAGNER, servant to FAUSTUS. Clown. ROBIN. RALPH. Vintner. Horse-courser. A Knight. An Old Man. Scholars, Friars, and Attendants. DUCHESS OF VANHOLT LUCIFER. BELZEBUB. MEPHISTOPHILIS. Good Angel. Evil Angel. The Seven Deadly Sins. Devils. Spirits in the shapes of ALEXANDER THE GREAT, of his Paramour and of HELEN. Chorus. Dr. Faustus Christopher Marlowe 3 Enter CHORUS. CHORUS. NOT MARCHING Mars did mate the Carthaginians; NOW in fields of Thrasymene, Where Nor sporting in the dalliance of love, In courts of kings where state is overturn’d; Nor in the pomp of proud audacious deeds, Intends our Muse to vaunt her heavenly verse: Only this, gentlemen,--we must perform The form of Faustus’ fortunes, good or bad: To patient judgments we appeal our plaud, And speak for Faustus in his infancy. Now is he born, his parents base of stock, In Germany...
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...In the first 2 acts of Dr Faustus, Marlowe makes it clear that Faustus is very academically smart as he talks a lot about logic and all of the things he can do. He reads "to dispute well logics chiefest end" he says, "affords this art no greater miracle?" He has mastered this art and achieved his goals already. He even decides that medicine is not good enough as he has no power over life and death. He the turns to necromancy and decides that he wants to be more than a mortal "yet art thou still but Faustus and a man." Marlowe is pushing boundaries by making the protagonist want to do Gods work, to be above him, by raising the dead. The audience may view Faustus as the villain as he turns to black magic and sells his soul to the devil. However, Marlowe also portrays him as a protagonist whose ambitions lead him to his downfall. Marlowe uses the seven deadly sins to portray Faustus' character. Pride is the main one as he deludes himself into thinking that he can be the most powerful "all things that move between the quiet poles shall be at my command." This sin also leads to laziness as he takes the easy route to gain success and power. Instead of studying at university he chooses to summon evil spirits to give him everything he wishes for but he of course has to sacrifice his soul. "Shall I make spirits fetch me what I please" Dr. Faustus also contradicts himself as he rejects studying law due to its involvement with money yet he wants to "ransack the ocean for orient pearl...
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...The Tempest written during the 1600s by one of the most influential writers of his time, William Shakespeare, takes us deep in to the Renaissance, in which questions of religion and man’s place in the world were the cause of much conflict. There are many insinuations that the character of Prospero is a cover for Shakespeare himself and through the protagonist, Shakespeare voices some of his views about the world he was living in. Along with themes of power, men and control, colonization also seems to be a main focus of Shakespeare throughout The Tempest, as almost every character ponders upon how he would rule the island on which the play is set if he were its king. Dr Faustus was written during the reign of England’s Queen Elizabeth I by Christopher Marlowe. It focuses on the main character, Dr Faustus, selling his soul to the devil in exchange for all the luxuries the world has to offer “twenty-four years of all voluptuousness.” Both plays present men questing for power and have left their mark on the modern world of literature. Shakespeare highlights the dominant themes power and control through the characters of Prospero and Antonio. Throughout the play many of the characters are in constant battle for power and freedom sometimes resulting in them succumbing to malevolent deeds. Prospero personifies the imperialist omnipotent ruler as he enslaves Caliban son of Sycorax and rightful ruler of the island. He uses the informal pronoun and pejorative phrase “thou most lying...
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...minds that are not Christian or religious. The Burgher’s daughter is gossiping about the good looking boys who could have the best in their class yet choose to go after housemaids. Other girls who are approached by a witch, state that they can’t be seen with her yet speak of how the witch had looked into the crystal and foretold their futures and their future lovers ( who they are actively looking for). The Burghers are out and about also. One of them is complaining on the politics of the area while another is talking of war and foreign politics. Basically, this must be just an ordinary day of the townsfolk, yet Faust knows that it is Easter Morning and there should be a difference in everyone. Faust when he mingles with the folks does comment on the celebration going on and compares it to the spring that is awakening around him. When the townspeople see Faust they revere him and praise him. They offer up a drink to quench his thirst along with a toast to the great doctor. He politely accepts the drink yet states that they should give the honor to God not him. He does not feel spiritually worthy of this praise. He does not feel...
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...Leadership Development INTEGRITY INTEGRITY How would you define this trait? “To think is easy. To act is hard. But the hardest thing in the world is to act in accordance with your thinking.” -Johann Wolfgang von Goethe What does this quote mean to you? Developing Values Overview: Our values should come from within us (hearts and minds), not from outside influences (friends or peers). This is not as easy as it sounds because it requires us to have the courage to stand up for our convictions and accept consequences for our beliefs. 1. What thoughts and values do you hold that are different from some of your friends? Be as specific as you can. 2. What thoughts and values do you hold that are different from your parents/guardians? Be as specific as you can. 3. Courage is the ability to align your behaviors with your values. How have you been able to do this in your life? Have you ever had to pay a price for your convictions? Value Clarification Directions: You will develop your own values and beliefs on a variety of topics listed below. Choose three of the topics listed below and explain your beliefs and views on them. Be sure to explain why you believe what you do. This is a time to reflect seriously and contemplate your values, looking at all angles of an issue. Affirmative Action Abortion Legalization of drugs Military draft Religion Spanking Children The War on Terror Teenagers Becoming Parents Respecting the Opposite...
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...From the stand point of ethical egoism students acted on their best benefit by cheating on the final exam. But in a long term perspective, students failed themselves by not obtaining required knowledge for their future successful life. In other hand, according to ethical egoism Institution and teaching assistant are at fault. Compare to Penn State Child abuse example giving in the textbook, in the case of Harvard University the parties that haven’t acted on their short term benefits were teaching assistant by whistleblowing and Institution by taking the actions. The short term damage that Harvard University leaders faced was bad publicity, but actions of the students were unacceptable according to the President of Harvard University Drew Faust: “These allegations, if proven, represent totally unacceptable behavior that betrays the trust upon which intellectual inquiry at Harvard depends” (CNN News). Even though his action wasn’t justified by the egoistic approach, it was the right thing to do according to the enlightened egoism. Assistant professor failed in a long run by misleading students on what was acceptable and what was considered as an academic misconduct. According to Dorothy L.R. Jones. Norfolk State University: “Academic integrity is a learned skill that faculty members can teach and model.” (Academic Dishonesty: Are More Students Cheating). In the long run by his actions he attracted students who assumed that cheating and not physically attending the class was accepted...
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...Staying Positive When I began to do research for this paper my first thought was, what exactly is resilience? Resilience is adapting to adversity. It is the ability to roll with the punches that come in life. When stress, adversity, or trauma attacks, a person will still experience anger, grief, and pain, but they are able to keep functioning. Everyone needs to be a little more resilient in life, having a more positive outlook on trials that frequently come each individual’s way. “The Blessings of Adversity” is a talk given by James E. Faust in February of 1998. Faust, at the time, was the second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The main audiences of this talk are members of The Church through out the entire world. In fact he directly mentions the followers through out his entire talk. Faust specifically talks about financial hardships that cause stress in many people’s lives. He states, “Many Saints throughout the world have a difficult time making ends meet” then making it apparent that many individuals who go through low times in their life rise to be very successful, but humble people. This was a significant time for this talk to be given because around 2002 to 2003 there was an economic recession that affected the United States. I personally feel like this talk was preparing many members...
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...Faust is a very interesting figure in the context of how is depicted both textually, and artistically. I find it very interesting that Faust almost has multiple personalties the way depictions of him vary as time goes on. It seems that Faust as person can be depicted many ways depending on who's depiction your going off of. We may never know Faust’s true identity, but in my personal opinion, that adds to the intriguing character that he has become none as. whether he be depicted good or bad. The first image of Faust depicts him later on in his life as he looks to be in his 60’s. Drawn in 1652 by Rembrandt, the image is given its mysterious qualities by the bright light the contains letter and symbols inside of it. Faust seems to be focused...
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