The prologue first tells the story of a man with humble beginnings, thirsty for knowledge and ambitious in scholarship. Although he began his theological education at Martin Luther's renowned school in Wittenberg, and even earned a doctorate degree, his ambition for knowledge soon turned into a lust for power. Like Icarus' "waxen wings," Faustus' dabbling in magic, fueled by pride, ultimately leads to his demise (line 21).
Faustus' use of Latin and references to classical philosophy speak to his noteworthy education. However, Faustus feels as though he has achieved all earthly power and knowledge necessary: "Is to dispute well logic's chiefest end?/ Affords this are no greater miracle? Then read no more, though hast attain'd the end" (lines 10-13). Thus, ironically, Faustus' thorough theological education ultimately fuels his deal with the devil. Hungry for more knowledge, Faustus turns to the realm of necromancy. Further, Faustus does not fear sin or death, but rather accepts them as inherent in humanity. In this sense, he is able to reason the decision he is about to make at his soul's expense: "If we say that we have no sin/ We deceive ourselves, and there's no truth in us./Why then belike we must sin,/ And so consequently die" (lines 43-46). Ultimately, Faustus' true desire is revealed to be power, perhaps attained by knowledge. Faustus seeks that "All things that move between the quiet poles/ Shall be at [his] command" (lines 58-59).
The introduction to this play pins the root of the plot to be a deal with the devil. However, the play also serves as a moral lesson regarding the pursuit of power. Not only does Faustus seem fatefully driven by his desire to rule as a diety, but his companions Valdes and Cornelius wish to join him. Further, the relationship between Faustus' servant, Wagner, and the Clown presents a parallel power struggle. I'm interested in how their discussion in Act 1, Scene 4, seems to reflect the same ambitions that motivate Faustus.
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