Doctor Faust is considered the most outstanding work of Christopher Marlowe. Due to its prevalence, many readers and experts like to compare the main character and the author of the play. Many believe that Faust is a reflection of Marlowe’s unconventional and controversial views. It is important to note that the playwright was one of the most advanced and debatable personalities of Renaissance culture.
The first parallel that can be drawn between the fate of the author and the hero of the work is the similarity of their origin. They both came from less privileged backgrounds and were highly successful in their work. Both men had views contrary to their time, deviating from religious customs that limited the abilities and capabilities of a person, and both met with resentment from the society around them. The book mentioned that Christopher Marlowe, in his life, had many problems with the authorities and even reached the London court several times. But on the other hand, the views of the main character in the play were also questioned and considered delusions, raising the topic of morality. This duality allows the reader to decide and make a conclusion about the relationship with Faust. In addition, Marlowe’s attempt to hide his dissent in the play is denied since the topic of religion is worked out quite profoundly.
The play Doctor Faust does not allow the reader to fully understand the essence of its author and gives an accurate definition of him as a rebel of that time and not a great and outstanding writer of English literature. Also, to hide his objective opinion and character, the author uses comic scenes. By resorting to this technique, Marlowe gives serious scenes a lighter meaning, as if downplaying their significance, without fully understanding the idea put into the work by the author himself. To summarize, it should be noted that the reader is often tempted to identify the lyrical character and the author of the work. However, such aspirations are not always correct and reflect objective reality. Despite the fact that the reader involuntarily or deliberately tries to draw a parallel between the author and his main character, Marlowe does everything possible to mislead the audience about the display of his thoughts in the play.