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bgsu1143482826.pdf (327.79 KB)
ETD Abstract Container
Abstract Header
MAGICIAN OR WITCH?: CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE'S DOCTOR FAUSTUS
Author Info
Matthews, Michelle M
Permalink:
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1143482826
Abstract Details
Year and Degree
2006, Master of Arts (MA), Bowling Green State University, English/Literature.
Abstract
This project looks closely at Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus and its relationship to the witchcraft and magic debates in the Renaissance. During this time, witches were considered a manifestation of diabolical evil, which caused massive witch hunts. This same period saw a Neoplatonic revival among humanists who believed that by dedicating their lives to contemplation and God, they could access benevolent magic allowing them to improve the world. Doctor Faustus is unique because it presents the dreams of the Neoplatonists at the same time as it portrays the behaviors associated with witches. By comparing the text with orthodox treatises, popular beliefs, and Neoplatonic writings, I argue that Faustus turns his back on God. Ultimately, this paper concludes that because he participates in the events of a witches’ sabbat, he fails to achieve the magic of occult philosophers, and he performs maleficium, Doctor Faustus is a witch not a magician.
Committee
Simon Morgan-Russell (Advisor)
Pages
83 p.
Subject Headings
Literature, English
Keywords
Christopher Marlowe
;
Doctor Faustus
;
magic
;
witchcraft
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Citations
Matthews, M. M. (2006).
MAGICIAN OR WITCH?: CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE'S DOCTOR FAUSTUS
[Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1143482826
APA Style (7th edition)
Matthews, Michelle.
MAGICIAN OR WITCH?: CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE'S DOCTOR FAUSTUS.
2006. Bowling Green State University, Master's thesis.
OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center
, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1143482826.
MLA Style (8th edition)
Matthews, Michelle. "MAGICIAN OR WITCH?: CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE'S DOCTOR FAUSTUS." Master's thesis, Bowling Green State University, 2006. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=bgsu1143482826
Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)
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Document number:
bgsu1143482826
Download Count:
7,859
Copyright Info
© 2006, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Bowling Green State University and OhioLINK.