YEAR 13 LESSON FORTY-TWO/FORTY-THREE [ 2nd/5th March 15]: Homework.

The aim of these two sessions was to consider issues relating to Marlowe's FAUSTUS. The Monday session considered the narrative significance of the image of Icarus in the introductory Chorus and whether Mephistophilis is the true villain within the play. The class believed that Faustus was the villain...before changing their mind and deciding that delusional human ambition was the real villain. The moved into a twenty minute written response.
Thursday's lesson considered possible content for the question:
'ALTHOUGH FAUSTUS IS EVENTUALLY PUNISHED, THE PLAY IS ESSENTIALLY A CELEBRATION OF SIN RATHER THAN A MORALITY TALE.' To what extent do you agree with this view of the play?
Class discussion created the following framework for the essay:

• Begin the essay with four or five sentences that allow the examiner to comprehend how you are going to approach this essay. Simply answer the question in a very simple manner.
• The first critical paragraph needs to highlight the nature of the SIN that occurs within the play. How does Faustus Sin? What is his crime?
• Explore the symbolic significance of The Old Man. How does this character allow Marlowe to construct the moral framework of the text. Obviously The Old Man is symbolic of the power of faith. He is a symbolic counterpoint to Faustus and his sin. The Old Man is often played by the actor representing The Good Angel. Is this significant?
• Explore the symbolic significance of the two deaths in the final two acts. How do they differ and why? The final chorus states that the audience should 'regard his hellish fall' so the death of Faustus needs to be horrific. The sixteenth century audience should be terrified by the content of the final act.
• Conclusion.

Remember....we discussed the gothic concerns that need to be addressed within this essay. Students need to consider the conventions of the gothic tradition and refer to the views of other readers. Students also need to show some understanding of historical context. Class discussion generated some useful notes so I am expecting a detailed and appropriate response.

HOMEWORK: Complete Faustus essay for Thursday and continue to complete Anthology coursework. Lauren...I need some work. Use the metaphor structure i gave the class. I also expect to receive second drafts from the lads asap. I think you are being a tad slack. It is 20% of your A2 grade. Sort it.