Motiebob reviewed Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe
Review of 'Doctor Faustus' on 'Goodreads'
4 stars
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English language
The Tragical History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus, commonly referred to simply as Doctor Faustus, is an Elizabethan tragedy by Christopher Marlowe, based on German stories about the title character Faust. It was written sometime between 1589 and 1592, and may have been performed between 1592 and Marlowe's death in 1593. Two different versions of the play were published in the Jacobean era several years later.The powerful effect of early productions of the play is indicated by the legends that quickly accrued around them—that actual devils once appeared on the stage during a performance, "to the great amazement of both the actors and spectators", a sight that was said to have driven some spectators mad.
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The mafia called a hit on Marlowe, which he barely survived. A friend pulled him away by his boots, and he spent the rest of his life in Glasgow, too terrified to return to London. He sent his manuscripts down by Wells Fargo courier, but the company was nobbled and Shakespeare recopied all his work before it ever reached a publisher. The wily old baldy from Stratford had a great time penning rejection slips, but ensured that a small sums of money kept poor Kit in thin gruel.
Deals with Devils and the original source of the term "Faustian Bargain". Great play.
Not one of my easiest reads. While reading it by myself I couldn't really get into it. I felt 'at distance' most of the time. I really needed the study sessions together to enjoy it. more