Act 3- scene 1 and scene 2.

We looked at these two scenes in act 3, scene 2 and scene 3, to highlight Marlowe’s use of comedy and serious content in different scenes. Both scenes contain elements of seriousness and comedy, but the humour in these scenes are very similar to each other- they are very much physical. For example, it is clear in scene two to see why the audience would have found the action comical. Faustus is first presented with a, “magic girdle,” which Mephistopheles tells Faustus to, “first wear this girdle, then appear invisible to all are here.” This allows the audience to be in on whichever mischief Faustus gets up to. They are aware that Faustus is there and invisible, so making the scene far more humorous. For had this not been shown to the audience, then any of the antics that Faustus performs would have been confusing to the audience, they would not have had a clue what was causing the moving of items around the stage, therefore making the scene more puzzling than comical. Also, allowing the audience to understand what Faustus is doing would have made the production of the play easier in a theatre, as it is not necessary to make Faustus invisible, items such as the wine would not have to appear to move by themselves. The director could have Faustus move them in front of the audience’s eyes and they’d understand that the other characters could not see Faustus.

A bit later in the scene, Faustus hits the Pope, “Faustus gives the Pope a blow to the head.” And then Mephistopheles and Faustus “beat the Friars and, fling fireworks among them.” This would be funny to the audience as there would be chaos on the stage, and again the audience understands what is going on, but the characters wouldn’t. The humour is something that the audience can physically see; this is the same in scene 3. For example, in scene 3 we physically see Dick and Robin transformed into an ape and a dog, this is funny because these are two characters that the audience has little attachment for, so are not upset by their fate. Instead they are free to enjoy the silliness of the situation, especially the way the pair exit the scene, “Exeunt the two clowns (with Dick on Robin’s back).”

The serious tone of each scene is also presented in each scene the same way. The seriousness of both scenes is less clear and easy to see as the comedy was. In scene 2, the realisation of what Faustus is doing had quite a sever effect. Yes, it is funny that he is invisibly moving the items, but essentially he is abusing the Pope, the most important mortal religious figure to Catholics. However, as the audience at the time that this play would have been performed was Protestant, this could add the amusement. Faustus is mocking and attacking Catholics. But, I think that most of the audience will still understand the seriousness of what Faustus is doing. Because he is Catholic and so he has gone one step further than just betraying God by siding with the devil, but he is using the devil and his power to physically harm such highly regarded religious figures. Physically attacking God almost. In scene 3, we can see that what occurs is quite shocking. Although Dick and Robin summoned Mephistopheles on false pretences, “for we called you but in jest,” it is awful to see how little the pair have to do to receive such a sever punishment. All they have done is summon Mephistopheles and are then turned into a dog and an ape; this shows how unforgiving the devil and his minions are. It also goes to illustrate how far apart heaven and hell are, as Faustus himself has carried out great acts of betrayal to God, and yet he is being told all the way to the end of the book that he is still able to repent and be forgiven. Yet Dick and Robin hardly do a thing to the devil and they are punished. The Devil is cruel and such a small slip can cause you to receive a punishment.