This scenes staging notes may be crucially important from both the point of Faustus and Mephistopheles as it could completely shape the interpretation of the what the character says but also how the audience view the situation. From Faustus's role when the devil enters Faustus states 'Thou art too ugly to attend me' - this could be interoperated in two ways in my opinion, either that Faustus is saying this through arrogance in a mocking tone or that he is actually fearful. In my opinion if he was acting in an arrogant manor this would further emphasise his later point that he believes the devil has been summoned under his command. This could further contrast to the role of Mephistopheles as he could be presenting him self in a mocking manor. For example when he says 'which strike a terror to my fainting soul' this first seems a mockery anyway as devils are not said to even have a soul and also 'terror' implies that he is in some way warning Faustus. But is it a warning or a temptation presentation?
Is Mephistopheles saying this in a means of reverse psychology? by describing hell as so awful if he further tempting Faustus using the mentality that if you tell someone not to do something they will do it.
These staging notes would not only create a sly sense of corruption with the devil which would fit the common conception of a Christian audience's at the time that the devil is evil. This would also both in some ways explain the temptation posed to Faustus by the devil. But also post the blame completely to Faustus as despite this warning whether it be serious or not he still chooses to sell his soul.
This makes Faustus seem either incredibly stupid for giving into an obviously corrupt temptation or would make the audience sympathise that he is merely drawn to do something that is a common human reaction and that this is a tragic downfall of his character. The audience may be inclined to sympathise with his temptation of sin.
No comments:
Post a Comment