Podcast Summary: Not Just the Tudors – "Dr Faustus: Pacts with the Devil"

Episode Release Date: March 24, 2025
Host: Professor Susannah Lipscomb
Guest: Professor Emma Smith, Professor of Shakespeare Studies at Hertford College, University of Oxford

Introduction

In the "Dr Faustus: Pacts with the Devil" episode of Not Just the Tudors, host Professor Susannah Lipscomb delves deep into the intricate world of Christopher Marlowe's seminal play, Doctor Faustus. Joined by esteemed Shakespeare scholar Professor Emma Smith, the episode explores the historical context, thematic richness, and enduring legacy of this cornerstone of early modern drama.

Origins and Initial Reception of Dr Faustus

Professor Smith begins by shedding light on the early performances of Faustus. The play debuted on October 2, 1594, at London's Rose Theatre, shortly after Marlowe's untimely death. Despite the challenges of the era's theatrical landscape—where plays typically enjoyed only a single run—the sustained documentation suggests that Faustus was a significant hit. Professor Emma Smith notes:

“[04:37] ...the very fact that in 1594 it can't have been a new play and that the best guess probably right now puts it maybe four or five years earlier than that already tells us this was a hit.”

The play's spectacular elements, including fireworks and mystical performances, captivated audiences, cementing its status as a popular and mystique-laden production. Anecdotes from the time, such as actors encountering inexplicable presences during rehearsals, added to the play's enigmatic allure.

Sources and the Faust Legend

Marlowe's Faustus draws inspiration from the Germanic folklore surrounding the Faustian legend—a tale of a scholar's pact with the devil. Professor Smith explains that Marlowe likely adapted the story from a now-lost pamphlet detailing the necromantic exploits of Faust:

“[06:01] ...Marlowe takes the play from a pamphlet account of this necromantic figure in the German tradition.”

This adaptation reflects the broader Renaissance trend of playwrights sourcing material from existing stories and folklore, blending them into original narratives that resonated with contemporary audiences.

The Supernatural in Early Modern Drama

The supernatural was a pervasive theme in early modern plays, with Faustus being a prime example. Professor Smith attributes this popularity to the era's fascination with the boundary between the natural and the supernatural, a boundary often explored through prominent figures like the Elizabethan magician John Dee:

“[07:09] ...the supernatural is perhaps at one end of a spectrum rather than being a completely separate kind of activity.”

This blend of scientific inquiry and occult practices created a tantalizing backdrop for dramas, allowing playwrights like Marlowe to probe the limits of human knowledge and ambition through supernatural elements.

Themes of Ambition and Humanism in Dr Faustus

Faustus serves as a profound commentary on the humanist pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement. Professor Smith highlights Faustus as the "limit case" of the humanist intellectual hero, embodying both the era's aspirations and its inherent risks:

“[09:08] ...Faustus is the limit case, in a way, for the humanist intellectual hero.”

Set against the backdrop of Elizabethan educational fervor—marked by the proliferation of grammar schools and the expansion of universities—Faustus reflects the period's ambivalence towards unbridled ambition. Faustus's dissatisfaction with conventional scholarly pursuits leads him to seek greater power and knowledge through a diabolical pact, illustrating the potential perils of excessive ambition.

Agency vs. Predestination: The Nature of Faustus’s Damnation

A central debate within Faustus revolves around the protagonist's agency in his own damnation. Is Faustus entirely responsible for his fate, or are external forces at play? Professor Smith delves into this complexity, comparing the play's tragic dimensions to broader theological debates of the time:

“[15:23] ...the question of whether he chooses this, whether he is active and a tragic agent, is really, really fascinating.”

The discussion extends to the play's two distinct texts—the A and B versions—each offering varying perspectives on Faustus's control over his destiny. The B text, in particular, introduces more definitive elements of damnation, potentially reflecting evolving audience expectations for clear moral resolutions.

Parallel with Execution and Seeking Forgiveness

Professor Lipscomb draws a parallel between Faustus and contemporary accounts of figures like Anne Boleyn, who awaited forgiveness before execution:

“[17:07] ...the pardon, either, you know, human or divine, is going to come. And that actually, you know, Faustus is sort of temporizing, waiting for that.”

This comparison underscores the play's exploration of salvation and damnation, questioning whether redemption is attainable or irrevocably lost once a pact is made with the devil.

Differing Texts of Dr Faustus: A and B Texts

The existence of two primary texts of Faustus—the A text (1604) and the B text (1616)—has fueled scholarly debate regarding Marlowe's original intentions. Professor Smith explains that the B text includes additional material, such as enhanced comic elements and a more definitive portrayal of Faustus's downfall:

“[29:00] ...the B text, the later text is much longer. And what it does, interestingly, is maybe show us what was and wasn't popular or what needed tweaking.”

The addition of slapstick humor and clearer condemnation of Faustus's choices suggest an attempt to cater to audience preferences and reinforce the play's moral lessons.

Staging the Supernatural in Early Modern Theatre

The supernatural aspects of Faustus were brought to life through innovative staging techniques, including props and sound effects that required sophisticated craftsmanship and posed significant risks. Professor Smith details how elements like the "hell mouth" prop and early fireworks created an immersive and terrifying experience for audiences:

“[36:00] ...there was probably quite a bit of that. And back to your idea about audience testing. One of the things they may have been saying would be more spectacle and that the wonderful, too, special effects budget blown on.”

These technical feats not only enhanced the play's dramatic impact but also contributed to its reputation as a thrilling and visually spectacular production.

Artistic Legacy of Dr Faustus

Faustus has left an indelible mark on English drama and literature. Professor Smith emphasizes Marlowe's pioneering use of blank verse and his influence on contemporaries, notably William Shakespeare:

“[41:37] ...the beginning, the first 15 or 20 minutes of the play establish this aural world, which I think is really quite decisive for how English drama develops.”

The play's exploration of complex themes such as ambition, knowledge, and damnation also prefigures elements of Gothic fiction, influencing genres and works centuries later, including Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and Bram Stoker's Dracula.

Modern Performances and Continued Relevance

Despite being over four centuries old, Faustus remains a staple of modern theatre, continually reinterpreted to reflect contemporary societal concerns. Professor Smith attributes its enduring relevance to its flexible themes, which can be adapted to various cultural contexts:

“[47:18] ...the play's meaning has altered from a primarily, if confusedly religious, sphere of human existence into many, but not all, contexts. A more secular or more human-centered view.”

This adaptability ensures that Faustus resonates with new audiences, allowing each generation to find fresh meaning in Faustus's tragic quest for power and knowledge.

Conclusion

In this enlightening episode of Not Just the Tudors, Professors Susannah Lipscomb and Emma Smith intricately unpack the multifaceted layers of Doctor Faustus. From its initial reception and supernatural staging to its profound thematic explorations and lasting legacy, the discussion offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of why Marlowe's masterpiece continues to captivate and provoke thought centuries after its creation.

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