Exploring Chorus in Dr. Faustus

Exploring Chorus in Dr. Faustus

Sept 23, 2023

Introduction

Christopher Marlowe's timeless masterpiece, "Doctor Faustus," is a play that has captivated audiences for centuries. Among its many intriguing elements, one that often stands out is the chorus. In this blog post, we will delve into the role and significance of the chorus in "Doctor Faustus," exploring how it enriches the narrative and adds depth to the play's themes.

The Role of the Chorus

In classical Greek drama, the chorus served as a group of characters who commented on the action and provided moral and emotional guidance to the audience. Marlowe borrows this concept and adapts it to his own unique style.

In "Doctor Faustus," the chorus serves several key functions:

Narration and Time Transition: One of the most apparent roles of the chorus is to narrate the passing of time and significant events. They help the audience keep track of Faustus's journey through time, as he makes his infamous pact with the devil.

Moral Commentary: The chorus also offers a moral perspective on Faustus's actions. They act as a collective conscience, warning the audience about the consequences of Faustus's choices and his descent into darkness. This adds a layer of ethical reflection to the play.

Tragic Foreshadowing: Through their speeches, the chorus foreshadows Faustus's tragic end. This dramatic irony heightens the audience's anticipation and dread, creating a sense of inevitability about Faustus's fate.

Symbolic Representation: The chorus can be seen as symbolic of the ordinary, morally upright citizens who disapprove of Faustus's unholy pursuits. They represent the society that Faustus ultimately rejects.

Significance of the Chorus

Now that we understand the role of the chorus let's explore why it's significant:

Narrative Structure: The chorus's narration helps bridge gaps in the story, making it easier for the audience to follow Faustus's transformation and the passage of time. Without the chorus, the play's structure would be less coherent.

Moral Dilemma: By providing moral commentary, the chorus encourages the audience to reflect on Faustus's choices. This serves as a cautionary tale, warning against the pursuit of power and knowledge at any cost.

Enhanced Dramatic Tension: The chorus's foreshadowing intensifies the dramatic tension. We know that Faustus is doomed from the beginning, but we still hope for his redemption. This tension keeps the audience engaged throughout the play.

Cultural and Historical Context: The chorus also reflects the religious and societal values of Marlowe's time. Elizabethan audiences would have been particularly attuned to the moral lessons conveyed by the chorus.

Conclusion

In "Doctor Faustus," the chorus serves as a multifaceted element that enriches the play's narrative, adds depth to its themes, and engages the audience on both intellectual and emotional levels. It guides us through the story, offers moral reflections, and heightens the dramatic tension. Marlowe's innovative use of the chorus ensures that "Doctor Faustus" remains a thought-provoking and enduring work of literature, inviting us to ponder the timeless questions of human ambition and the consequences of our choices.

Quick Points:

The chorus appears in "Doctor Faustus" at the beginning of the play.

Chorus actors collectively deliver lines in rhymed couplets.

Marlowe's adaptation of the chorus tradition is influenced by classical Greek theater.

The chorus comments on Faustus's ambition and descent into sin.

It aids in narrative clarity by marking the passage of time and significant events.

The chorus emphasizes moral dilemmas and ethical reflections.

Encourages the audience to contemplate Faustus's choices and their consequences.

Shapes the audience's understanding of characters and their motivations.

Its presence adds to the play's enduring impact, inviting reflection on human ambition.

The chorus's rhymed couplets enhance the play's poetic and dramatic qualities.

Check: https://youtu.be/kpbk7i4WhTc