Themes to discuss in Christopher Marlowe, Doctor Faustus (1588)

Historical note:
1588 (the date of this play) is also the year of the Spanish Armada,  
the attempted (failed) invasion of Protestant England by the Catholic Spanish
King Philip II. His father was Charles V, Hapsburg, the Holy Roman Emperor
at whose court Faustus (in the play) pays a visit with the aid of the Devil.
Other passages referring to the Spanish conquest of the New World reflect
English hostility to Spain, both as a Catholic power and a colonial competitor.

Reading note: When reading, be sure to consult the footnotes (although a lot
of them refer to early editions of the play & are too technical). Try reading
some of the most dramatic passages out loud.  Also, make a note of the
scenes you consider most important and compelling for the overall
meaning of the play.     

Attitude to knowledge:
      What are the various branches of knowledge that Faust debates
            about pursuing before deciding on magic?
      What image is presented of learning, the university, scholasticism?
      What is the play’s overall attitude to knowledge?  What knowledge
            is worth having?

The devil & the pact:
     Conjuring scene:
          Why does the devil appear (& note the form he appears under)
     Is Faust really "commanding" Mephistopheles?
      What does Faust want from the Devil?  What does he get?
      What kind of female companion does the devil provide?

      Note the depiction of diabolical pact as "bloody" contract.
           What is the meaning of the coagulating blood?

      Note travel scenes, especially those at court of Emperor & Pope.
           Why does Faust request travel, and where does he go?

Theological issues:
      What elements of Reformation theology are visible in this play?

      When is Faust actually damned?  When he signs the pact, or later?
            Does he have any opportunity to change his mind?

      Why is Faust ultimately damned? What is his real crime?