YEAR 13 LESSON 22/23/ [27th Nov/1st Dec 14]: Homework

Both these sessions looked at the opening section of CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE'S 'THE TRAGEDY OF DOCTOR FAUSTUS.' Thursday's session explored the shocking nature of the Opening Scene with Faustus kicking a bible around the stage whilst stating 'DIVINITY, ADIEU!'
Class discussion considered the significance of THE CHORUS with its reference to the myth of Icarus and the tone of condemnation that describes Faustus, a man 'BASE OF STOCK' who indulged in the 'DEVILISH EXERCISE' of 'CURSED NECROMANCY'. Students were asked to consider how shocking the content of this opening section would be to a sixteenth century audience and how a contemporary religious audience would still be shocked by the content of this opening section. Reference was made to the concept of BLASPHEMY and how Edward Wightman was burned at the stake in 1612 and Tom Aikenhead was executed in 1697 for uttering blasphemous views. This play was first performed at some point in the 1590s...so MARLOWE is offering some incredibly brave and shocking dramatic content. The CHORUS allows Marlowe to create a moral viewpoint that saves him from the accusation of blasphemy.
The Monday session examined the introduction of MEPHISTOPHILIS and the class were asked to consider why this demon appears to be so honest and why is this demon appears capable of empathy!! Discussion also explored the shocking significance of a demon appearing dressed as a Franciscan Friar and why the language of the Catholic Church appears to be the language of LUCIFER.

This is a cracking play that is incredibly confrontational and shocking. Its satirical lampooning of the Catholic Church could still be considered to be extremely offensive.

HOMEWORK: In the next session we will be exploring the significance of the first FIVE scenes of the play and comparing the play with Shelley's Frankenstein. Students also need to read the Maupassant short-story, Poe's THE TELL-TALE HEART, and the Angela Carter short story we discussed last term. We need to be considering the nature of the gothic tradition. LOTS OF READING/LISTENING/WATCHING FOR HOMEWORK FOLKS. See you Thursday. If you do not read the play are lessons will be sooooo boring....please familiarise yourselves with the play.