Chapter Scene Summaries of Dr Faustus - Study Guide by Christopher Marlowe

Wagner reminds us of Faustus’ imminent death. He is back in Wittenberg enjoying a drunken life of revels. Wagner is unable to understand why the doctor should still choose to go to these student parties.

Scene 12

Three scholars have been arguing over who was the most beautiful woman ever. Faustus conjures up a vision of Helen of Troy and she crosses the stage in silence. The scholars praise her beauty and the skill of Faustus, and leave. An Old Man unexpectedly enters and declares these actions to be evil. He urges the doctor to repent, and when Faustus despairs, he prevents his suicide.

The departure of the Old Man sees Mephastophilis appear with threats of torture if the doctor does not fulfil the bargain made. Faustus gives in and asks two favours - for devils to torture the Old Man and to be able to sleep with Helen of Troy. The Old Man enters as Faustus is kissing Helen. They leave the stage together and devils torment him. We see him defy hell and welcome death.

Scene 13

Faustus is wretched, and miserably greets his scholarly friends, informing them that he must soon go to hell. They tell him that he should repent, but he says that invisible devils hold his tongue and hands. They go to an adjacent room to pray for him. The play ends with a long anguished monologue by Faustus. He longs for time to stand still, alternately resolving to call on God and then hide from his wrath. He ends with wishing that he had not been born with a soul. Faced with God’s rejection and Lucifer’s embrace, Faustus is taken to hell.

Epilogue

The Chorus describes the tragedy of Doctor Faustus as a lost opportunity for honour and education. We are asked to learn from the story and not try to rebel against divine law.