HELL

IN DR. FAUSTUS

1. This word damnation terrifies not him/For he confounds hell in Elysium (1.3.59). Early on in the play Faustus renders Hell as imaginary, believing it is no different to superstition such as the Greek underworld. 2. Why, this is hell, nor am I out of it (1.3.76). Here Mephestopheles disabuses Faustus previous belief about Hell, describing it as a state of mind. Hell is not a diabolical-physical experience, but a psychological state. 3. In one self place, but where we are is hell/And where hell is, there must we ever be (2.1. 121). Mephestopheles continues to associate Hell with the individual, where existence is eternal. 4. under the heavensWithin the bowels of the elements/Where we are tortured and remain forever (2.1.118) All places shall be hell that is not heaven (2.1 126). In both of these quotations, Mephestopheles appears to contradict himself he has previously alluded to Hell being a state of mind, but now he appears to suggest it is also a geographical location. 5. I think hells a fable (2.1.127). Despite Mephestopheles warnings, Faustus continues to be disillusioned with the idea of hell especially if Mephestopheles is right it stating that all that is not heaven, is hell. 6. In hell is all manner of delights (2.3.175). Following introducing the pageant of the Seven Deadly Sins in order to distract Faustus from ideas of repentance, Lucifer tempts Faustus with the idea of Hell. However, this clearly contradicts Mephestopheles previous claim that hell is torturous. 7. the serpent that tempted Eve may be saved, but not Faustus (5.2.42). Hell/Ah, hell for ever! (5.2.51). By the end of the play, Faustus no longer believes hell is a fable. In fact, he is fully aware of his damnation and the existence of hell. 8. adders and serpents, let me breathe awhile/Ugly hell, gape not! (5.3.191). It is clear by this point that the presence of hell vehemently scares Faustus. Hell, previously so tempting and unthreatening, is now a monstrous prospect. 9. Ill burn my books! (5.3.193). This final plea from Faustus in order to escape punishment is ironic. References to fire have oft been symbolic of hell. In the Book of Revelations there are four references to hell being the oxymoronic lake of fire that burns with brimstone. Here, fire is symbolic of the destruction of knowledge. However, it poses as ironic that as the flames of hell engulf Faustus, he attempts to salvage his damnation by burning, in a rather hellish way, his magic books. Arguably, Faustus is ignorant of true religious repentance.

Throughout Dr. Faustus, the theme of hell appears to correlate with Faustus own pride/downfall. Early on Faustus illustrates his hubris in claiming that hell is a fable, however, Faustus clear foolish pride resonates as hell becomes a clearer prospect and, by the end of the play, is literally an overwhelming physical spectacle on stage bigger and more powerful than Faustus.