Subject Spotlight - English Literature

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News - 31 March 2023

Recently, English Literature students have been studying Christopher Marlowe's play "Doctor Faustus".

Faustus is a play written by the English playwright Christopher Marlowe in the late 16th century. The play tells the story of a man named Doctor Faustus, a highly intelligent and ambitious scholar who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for knowledge and power. The play is a classic tale of greed, temptation, and the consequences of one's actions.

As the students delve deeper into the play, they are introduced to the character of Doctor Faustus and his inner struggles. They discuss his desire for knowledge and power and how it ultimately leads to his downfall. Students analyse the symbolism and themes present in the play, such as the concept of free will and the role of fate in one's life.

Students were asked to analyse various scenes from the play, such as the moment when Doctor Faustus signs his soul away to the devil and the scene where he realises the true consequences of his actions. They were encouraged to think critically about the characters' motivations and the moral implications of their choices.

Throughout the lesson, students engaged in lively discussions and were encouraged to express their opinions and interpretations of the play. They are challenged to think beyond the surface level of the text and to consider the historical and cultural context in which it was written.