Description

The story of Doctor Faustus is one that invites us to ask a number of questions. While the play reads as a fairly simple morality tale focused on the individual saving his soul, we can extrapolate from the story to questions of justice in the world. Although it is framed as a story of a man who sells his soul to the devil, the issue of repentance is raised time and again. In the end, Faustus is damned and dragged to Hell. But was this inevitable? The big question that I’d like you to respond to is at what point does a guilty person deserve mercy? Consider the following issues as you attempt to answer this using Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus as the basis of your argument.

 

First, can an individual be bound by a contract that is, in itself, contrary to law? After all, Faustus signs a contract with Mephistopheles to give his soul to the devil, if Mephistopheles will be his slave and “perform all articles prescribed” (2.1.90). However, to sign such a contract is already a violation of God’s law—Lucifer was a rebel angel who was cast out and condemned to Hell by God. Although he declares himself prince of devils and the ruler of Hell, he is only declaring himself the ruler of his own prison. What possible right does he have to sign a contract with anyone?

 

Second, is an individual bound by a contract whose terms are not fully satisfied? Mephistopheles either refuses to satisfy any number of commands or is simply unable to do so. Consequently, we must ask whether the terms of the contract are fulfilled and whether Faustus’ soul is actually forfeit by the terms of the contract.

 

Third— and this is probably the most relevant question for us today—even if someone has violated the law and been condemned, do they deserve mercy? At what point does the individual deserve mercy, if at all? After all, Faustus repeatedly brings up the possibility of repentance but each time he concludes that this will do no good. However, we must ask whether this is because repentance is useless because he has already damned himself by signing the contract with Mephistopheles or whether repentance is useless because Faustus doesn’t actually want to repent. At what point does a guilty person deserve mercy? It may be easiest to unpack this question by thinking about it in two ways. Situation 1:  someone either pleads guilty in court or is found guilty and then asks the court for mercy in sentencing (often because of claims of extenuating circumstances), that is, before they have actually served any of their sentence. Situation 2: someone has served a portion of their term in prison (and may even be facing execution), they may request a pardon, a commutation of their sentence, or merely early release and parole. What factors should be considered in granting such clemency? For example, must the person acknowledge guilt (i.e. confess)? Must the person show that they feel bad about the guilt (i.e. repent)? Must they make up for their action (i.e. make satisfaction, do penance)? Must they show that they have changed in some way?

 

In responding to this prompt, be sure to formulate an argument based on Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus and use the play itself to support your argument. Do not speak in generalities.

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