The length of the monologue creates the dramatic effect of building up tension. It may be painful to watch Faustus' anguish for the sustained period of time, and when the devils finally arive the audience may be relieved that they don't have to share Fautus' fear any longer.
There is no longer any doubt of belief with Fautus, as he is finally well aware of the consequences of his contract, and the reality of hell. He no longer believes that "hell's a fable", and realises his soul "must live still to be plagues in hell", forever.
Throughout the speech, his mind fluctuates as to whom to blame, and who to turn to to help him. First he calls to Christ; "Ah, my Christ!", and then immediatly changes to Lucife; "O, spare me Lucifer", which probably is the reason God is so angry and wants Faustus to feel his "heavy wrath".
Despite claims earlier in the play that hell was only a state of mind, hell, or the devils seem to have control over him, and prevent him from appealing to Christ. Comments from Faustus suggest devils are already over him before his time is up;
"O, he stays my tongue! I would lift up my hands, but see, they hold them" = devil stops him praying.
"O I'll leap up to my God! Who pulls me down?" = devil stops him getting to God.
"Ah my Christ! Ah, rend not my heart for naming of my Christ!" = devils try and pull out his heart.
Do you think it alternated to "O, spare me Lucifer" Out of confusion? I think that's possible.. Or he was begging Christ out of confusion? To beg to both would be a little contradictory? OR would it? I dont know :/
ReplyDeleteIt probably was just confusion because of fright and panic, or maybe he realsied his mistake when begging Christ and realised Lucifer would punish it for him then changed his mind? Who knows
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