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Dr. Faustus and the Struggle of Science Vs the Supernatural

Dr. Faustus and the Struggle of Science Vs the Supernatural


It is very interesting to look at the irony of Dr. Faustus and his reliance on the mix of science and the supernatural in the work titled Dr. Faustus. The Webster's New Collegiate defines a scientist as: One learned in science or Natural science; also, known as a scientific investigator. The Dr. Faustus described in Marlow's work definitely fits all of these criteria. He was very learned (or so he thought) in all of the different sciences. In here lies his problem, Dr. Faustus said that he is boarded or sees no reason for analysis, physics, law and divinity (lines 5-60). It is possible that Dr. Faustus could be looking for a new more interesting science or faith in the supernatural through some sort of physical evidence that it exists.

Because Dr. Faustus is constantly searching for more knowledge, under these mixed guidelines, he is defiantly in a struggle between science and the supernatural. It is important to note that unlike most scientists, Faustus is not searching for knowledge just to better himself. He is only interested in more knowledge because it produces more power, and power is Dr. Faustus's main goal. More evidence that Dr. Faustus is struggling in his faith in science or the supernatural lies within Act 2. This is the act where Dr. Faustus finally sells his soul and the second thing he asks for are the tools of a scientist. These tools that Dr. Faustus requests in his time in both discovery and new found knowledge of the supernatural are books. This is intriguing because Faustus has just obtained the ultimate knowledge that the supernatural exists and he still falls back on his practical knowledge as a doctor. The first book he wants is a book that "behold(s) all spells and incantations"(lines 161). He asks for this one first because it beholds more power for him while the books he asks for after this are more for the learned aspect of Faustus' personality. These other books he now wants that allow him to " see all the characters and planets of the heaven "and "to see all plants, herbs and trees that grows upon the earth" (lines 165 and168). These last two books provide no direct means for power, unlike the first book of spells. The fact that he does ask for these last two...

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