In Christopher Marlowe’s play, Doctor Faustus, Wagner is the most loyal, loving, and
protective character in regards to protagonist, Faustus. His actions, which include everything
from his choric function to the comic relief he instills, influence the play immensely, emphasizing
how the bond between he and Faustus is unique and and irreplaceable one. Thus, leading to the
idea that Wagner should be recognized as the only character entitled to be Faustus’ heir.
It is easy to realize that Wagner is not happy as his role as a servant. “He’s sufficiently
educated to regard himself as a scholar and he’s eager to prove his prowess in logical dispute
(Instant Knowledge).” According to this, it almost seems as through he secretly wishes he could
have the power that his master possesses. Wagner isn’t too phased by this, however as he doesn’t
stop from being as faithful as possible he can be to Faustus. This is shown, along with his loyalty
and protectiveness, in Act I, Scene ii when two nosy scholars ask the whereabouts of Faustus.
Wagner refuses to tell them and even after taking insult upon insult from the two, he still tries as
best he can to shield his master from the scholars’ prying eyes. Eventually, Wagner gives into the
scholars and informs them that Faustus is dining with Valdes and Cornelius. He doesn’t do this
without first showing that he is more than a servant or a “sirrah”, though. He takes his revenge
by matching wits with the two and proving that he is just as intelligent as either of them.
Not only does this scene emphasize how much Wagner cares for Faustus, but it also
serves as some comic relief for the audience. “The functions of the comic scenes are to cover
passages of time, parallel and parody the main plot, and foreshadow events to come (Appleton).”
First, the coverage of time would definitely be shown when the play is being performed, as the
scene undoubtedly would takes quite awhile, especially Wagner’s speech. Secondly, the parallels
between Wagner and Faustus are clearly noticeable when Wagner’s boldness towards the two
scholars echoes that of Faustus’ indestructible pride. Wagner seems to make a habit of imitating
his master, as shown here. Finally, the foreshadowing can be thought of when Wagner tells the
scholars that Faustus is with Valdes and Cornelius and the two start to fear that Faustus has
started to practice magic. Their fright foreshadows that the magic Faustus is indeed studying will
lead to horrific things. Wagner is able to successfully complete all these tasks as well as reinforce
the comic tone of the scene.
In Act I, Scene iv, it seems as though Wagner is finally fed up with being a servant and he
now wants one of his own. His previous encounter with the scholars was not a pleasant one and
and as a result, he is looking for someone to humiliate in return. He gets a hold of Robin the
Clown and asks him, “Sirrah, wilt thou be my man and wait on me (1.4.15)?” As expected, Robin
denies the offer, causing Wagner to make two devils appear to terrorize Robin into agreeing to be
his servant. Not only does this lead Wagner to getting what he wants, a servant, but it also shows
how cleaver he is. He’s been practicing his master’s magic and has been successful with doing so.
“To Faustus, magic means a new way of living (Appleton)”, and because Wagner is the only one
around to watch Faustus conjure it, he is able to learn the ways of magic, therefore, he, too, has
new ambitions. All of which put Wagner into a higher category than a sirrah or servant.
Later, Wagner, who is very puzzled, appears on stage suspecting that his master is dying.
What troubles him most is not the idea that Faustus might be dying, but the fact that he isn’t
acting like he is. He doesn’t appear sickly. He is actually out drinking the night away and having
a great time with his companions from Wittenberg. It is in fact the last time that we see Wagner,
that this whole ordeal is cleared up. Faustus is indeed dying and is shown in Act V, Scene ii
making his will, in which he will leave Wagner all of his property. Faustus asks Wagner if he likes
the final copy and Wagner replies positively saying that, “Sir, so wondrous well/As in all my
humble duty I do yield/My life and lasting service for your love (5.2.21-24).” This conversation
between the two truly emphasizes the fact that Wagner is as loyal as can be to Faustus and while
many feel that Faustus is evil and greedy, he is shown here being extremely generous with leaving
his belongings to Wagner as a thank you for many years of good service. Wagner definitely helps
to bring out Faustus’ good side.
Aside from Wagner’s comic relief and loyalty (To Faustus) roles, he is also used as a
narrator. He often notes what is going on and helps advance the plot by narrating action that
happens both on and off stage. The most noticeable instance of this is his speech, mentioned
above, of Faustus nearing death. Without Wagner’s commentary, the audience would be unaware
and lost. G.K. Hunter is remarked as saying that each act handles a separate stage in Faustus’
career but the stages cannot move forward in any single and significant line of development
without help (Hunter 181). Thus, supporting the idea that without Wagner and his use as part of
the Chorus, there would be no adcancemet in the plot.
The general idea in regards to Wagner, is that he is foolish. This, however, is completely
untrue. He knows magic and conjures demons without going to hell and edges by the devil
without getting caught, unlike his master. With this in mind, it is correct when said that there is
no other character who is worthy enough of taking on the roles that Wagner does. No one else
would be proper in acting as the narrator or serving the comic relief of the play to the audience.
No other character shows the unconditional love to Faustus that Wager does. He is seen in both
the first and last act of the story and all the way from the introduction to the finale, he is there
moving the plot along in only a manner that he could. This is why he is the only one who
rightfully deserves to be Doctor Faustus’ heir.
Другие работы по теме:
Dr Faustus Essay Research Paper The Comic
Dr Faustus Essay, Research Paper The Comic Scenes of Dr. Faustus When I first began reading Dr. Faustus I did not even realize that there were comic scenes. Only after being told and after watching the movie did I realize that there were comic scenes. Many critics say that Christopher Marlowe did not even write these scenes, but instead say that they were written later by other playwrights.
FreeWill And Repentance In Dr Faustus Essay
, Research Paper Free-Will and Repentance in Dr. Faustus In Christopher Marlowe’s The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus, the theme of free-will is manifested throughout the play but the necessity of repentance is not actually demonstrated. Dr. Faustus was a scholar like no other in his time, but he felt that the knowledge of Human scholarship – whether Philosophy (Aristotle), Medicine (Galen), Law (Justinian), or Theology (Jerome /Hieronymus) was not enough to satisfy the thirst of knowledge of the great figure of learning.
Elizabeth I 2
Elizabeth I & Marlowe’s Faustus – Pragmatism And Lasting Accomplishment Vs. Impetousity And Fleeting Essay, Research Paper Henryk Jaronowski English 9H, 7
The Dissatisfaction Of Georgiana Essay Research Paper
The Dissatisfaction of Georgiana In the story A Wagner Matinee, by Willa Cather, a short story by Willa Cather, an elderly old woman named Aunt Georgiana is dissatisfied with her life because she is completely isolated from the rest of the world because of her small prairie farm in the Midwest as well as the tremendous amount of work which is expected of her.
Pride Of Faustas Essay Research Paper email
Pride Of Faustas Essay, Research Paper email: degradator@innocenttitle: The Pride of FaustasDr. Faustus. Scene 1In this theoretic play, Christopher Marlowe presents a man that is well educated, but is in search of more than what education can give to him. Dr. Faustus is a man possessed by himself, blown up in pride, and blinded by his own intellect.
Dr Faustus Pride And Gree Essay Research
Paper The Pride and Greed of Dr. Faustus In the sixteenth century play Dr. Faustus, by Christopher Marlowe, Dr. Faustus, the main character, prevails two distinct qualities: greed and pride. It is these two qualities, one even being one of the seven deadly sins, which lead to the destruction of Dr. Faustus.
Doctor Faustus The Aristotelian Hero Essay Research
Paper Heroes envelop the idea of a noble person who fights for the rights of the ?little? people. He or she commits a deed that goes above and beyond the call. This type of hero exists in the modern thought, but there also exists another hero, an Aristotelian Hero. This tragic hero starts out in the nobility of society, yet he just like any other man.
Dr Faustus 2
Dr Faustus – Ambition Essay, Research Paper ?Marlowe?s biographers often portray him as a dangerously over?ambitious individual. Explore ways this aspect of Marlowe?s personality is reflected in ?Dr. Faustus.? ?
The Trials Of Becoming A Hero Essay
, Research Paper The Trials of Becoming a Hero Hero worship has existed in this world since the beginning of time, from the Jews honoring Moses, to the Germans honoring Adolf Hitler. Becoming a hero is a very difficult thing to accomplish. One must be successful in gaining the reverence of one’s peers while at the same time not developing to big of an ego.
Doctor Faustus By Marlow Essay Research Paper
Doctor Faustus is a significant and masterful play written by Christopher Marlow. It is a unique play that it written during the beginnings of the renaissance period and therefore neither solely Renaissance nor Medieval in
Potrayal Of Evil Essay Research Paper Portrayal
Potrayal Of Evil Essay, Research Paper Portrayal of Evil In the allegory The Faerie Queen, by Edmund Spenser, evil is depicted primarily as character. In Doctor Faustus, by Christopher Marlowe and Everyman written by an anonymous author, evil is depicted as an action.
Faust By Goethe 1749
– 1832) Essay, Research Paper The legend of Faust is older than Goethe’s version, dating back to the early years of Christianity. The English poet Christopher Marlowe wrote his own version of the play several centuries
Two Sides Of Humanity Essay Research Paper
The Two Sides of Humanity The journey of life is like an endless highway. Any number of obstacles could be waiting over the next hill. Fortunately, we may choose our own paths just as we can make our own choices in life. Just as a map provides directions during an excursion, there is a divine guide that provides a map for humanity.
Pride The Tragic Downfall Of Faustus Essay
, Research Paper ?Pride: The Tragic Downfall of Faustus? Christopher Marlowe?s Tragical History of Doctor Faustus is about a man who seeks power that comes from knowledge beyond the human realm. Throughout the story, the
Aristotelian Hero
’s Essay, Research Paper Don’t Aristotelian Hero’s Have Enlightenment? An Aristotelian hero has a hamartia, downfall, suffering and enlightenment and
ItS Never Too Late Essay Research Paper
Could Faustus have saved his soul had he repented to God before facing his impending damnation? Coming from a Christian upraising and parochial schooling, I would have to think that Faustus could have saved himself. I was always under the assumption that sincere repentance could be given at any time in one s life for salvation.
Doctor Faustus 2
Doctor Faustus – Analysis Essay, Research Paper I. The play Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlow was first published in Manchester by Manchester Publishing in 1588, no information about the play?s first production date was found.
TwentyFour Years In The Life Of Dr
. Faustus Essay, Research Paper Christopher Marlowe?s play Doctor Faustus is the story of a selfish Renaissance-era man who sold his soul to the devil in order to further his knowledge of things beyond man?s normal state of being. Faustus was a doctor with a degree in divinity who was highly respected among his fellow scholars.
Richard Wagner Essay Research Paper One of
Richard Wagner Essay, Research Paper One of the key figures in the history of opera, Wagner was largely responsible for altering its orientation in the nineteenth century. His program of artistic reform accelerated the trend towards organically conceived, through-composed structures, as well as influencing the development of the orchestra, of a new breed of singer, and of various aspects of theatrical practice.
Dr Faustus Essay Research Paper Christopher Marlowes
Dr. Faustus Essay, Research Paper Christopher Marlowe?s Doctor Faustus is a psychological study of inner struggle. One of the most prominent themes in Doctor Faustus is the conflict between good and evil within the human soul. Marlowe?s play set the precedent for religious works concerned with morals and suffering.
Dr Faustus Essay Research Paper Dr FaustusDr
Dr. Faustus Essay, Research Paper Dr. Faustus Dr. Faustus, written by Christopher, is the story of a man that represents the common human dissatisfaction with being human. He sells his soul to the devil for what he believes to be limitless power, with full logical knowledge as to the consequences of such a transaction.
Heaven Or Hell That Is The Question
. Essay, Research Paper I have caught myself thinking several times about all the people that are in hell. And I wonder if they look back at their sinful lives and ask themselves if all the pleasures that they had while living were worth it. I am almost sure that none of them like to be in that place of eternal suffering and misery, but hell is the price they have to pay for their earthly carnalities.
Legend Of Faust Essay Research Paper The
Legend Of Faust Essay, Research Paper The Legend of Faust In this paper I will be writing about the legend of Faust which gained recognition back in the 16th century by numerous authors.
Lines 96113 poem In Doctor Faustus Essay
, Research Paper The truth that ambition and desire for material objects does not always satisfy the soul is a major theme depicted in Christopher Marlowe?s Doctor Faustus. The poem on page 93, lines 96-113 is the essence of this theme. It describes Faustus meeting, what he believes, is the icon of perfection.
Dr Faustus Essay Research Paper In Dr
Dr. Faustus Essay, Research Paper In Dr. Faustus, Christopher Marlowe uses the resolution of the conflict between Dr. Faustus and the beliefs of his time to explore the idea of man’s place in the universe. In Faustus’ time, it was believed that man had a place in the universe, and man must stay within his boundaries.
Dr Faustus Essay Research Paper Dramatic Quality
Dr Faustus Essay, Research Paper Dramatic Quality of the Central Scenes in ?Dr Faustus? by Christopher Marlowe ‘Dr Faustus’ is considered by many to be a tragic play, in fact, Marlowe himself called it, ?The Tragicall History of the Life and Death of Dr. Faustus?. However, there are several scenes in the middle of the play (scenes 6 to 11) which can be considered to be comical scenes, which do not fit into the stereotype of tragedies of the time.
Dr Faustus Essay Research Paper Dr Faustus
Dr. Faustus Essay, Research Paper Dr. Faustus – Christopher Marlowe The Temptation And The Punishment From an early age we are told that knowledge is power and that it is our key to success and gainful experiences within this strange world. Many people also become obsessed with hobbies or goals within this modern time.
Dr Faustus Essay Research Paper Faustus
Dr. Faustus Essay, Research Paper Faustus’s Mortal Flaw The play Doctor Faustus, by Christopher Marlowe, is a story that shows the many human flaws inside people, and how they affect not only life but also the afterlife. Choices are a huge part of the path of life and the direction we take. The consequences of or bad choices can lead to punishments unthinkable to most.
Dr Faustus Essay Research Paper Repentance Dr
Dr. Faustus Essay, Research Paper Repentance, Dr. Faustus’ Last Chance For Redemption It can be argued that Doctor Faustus is damned from the moment of conception. Faustus is a man who does not comply to any set of moral codes or to any one religion. This raises the question of whether repentance is indeed acceptable or even obtainable by Faustus.
The Old Mans Speech In Version Essay
, Research Paper The Old Mans speech in version A of The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus by Christopher Marlowe seems to be coming from a kinder, more compassionate Old Man than in version B. In version A, it seems to be coming from someone who deeply cares about Dr. Faustus, and is talking from a friend s standpoint.
The Knowledge Of Good And Evil Essay
, Research Paper The quest for knowledge and learning has been occuring since the creation of mankind. Ever since the serpent in the Garden of Eden tempted Eve to eat the forbidden apple from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil, promising she would wise as the gods, man has been battling with this endless pursuit.
Untitled Essay Research Paper
Shortly before Christopher Marlowe’s untimely death during a bar brawl, he was arrested and charged with atheism, a high crime at the time. Much of the basis for this claim may have stemmed from his controversial play, “Doctor Faustus,” which deals heavily with necromancy and the devil. Using only this play as a basis to decide his guilt or innocence under the charge of atheism, I have found him innocent, with the understanding that if I was a judge presiding over the proceedings of a mock Marlowe trial, I might well have found him guilty.