Remind yourself of scene five, lines 167-280, from ‘’Now would I have a book…’’ to the entrance of the seven deadly sins. What is the importance of this section in the context of the whole play?
...tiful woman. Mephastophillis is unable to grant him a wife, as marriage is a religious ceremony. When Faustus begins to question his prior decision, Mephastophillis tries to inform him that heaven is not as special as it is made out to be, and that Faustus did right in selling his soul. ‘Think’st thou that heaven is such a glorious thing?’ During Faustus’ hesitating moments, the Good and Bad angels appear. These are like suppressed voices from Faustus’ subconscious morality and immorality, arising to confront him. The Good angel tries to get Faustus to repent, whereas the Bad angel tries to reinforce the argument that it is too late for that. Good angel: ‘Faustus repent, yet God will pity thee’ Bad angel: Thou art a spirit, God cannot pity thee’ After the two angels appearances, Faustus seems more inclined to believe the bad angel, however he still appears to be in serious doubt about what he has done. Faustus therefore calls Mephastophillis to discuss it with him, Mephastophillis answers are inadequate in putting Faustus’ mind at ease. When he asks who made the world, Mephastophillis is reluctant to reply. ‘Move me not, for I will no tell thee’ Again the Good and Bad angels return, this time after their debate, Faustus listens to the Good angel. Perhaps this is because of Mephastophillis evidently previous inaccurate answers. In the middle of Faustus’ repentance speech, Lucifer and Belzebub, two powerful devils, appear. They distract Faustus and influence him into believing that it is too late to repent. The significance of this scene is that it is the first time that Faustus actually expresses doubt, he contemplates the inevitability of hell and the possibility of repentance. The book that he requests on the heavens are a contributing factor in this, as they are a reminder of God. Also, from his discussion with Mephastophillis it becomes apparent to Faustus that Mephastophillis knowledge is very limited as is his power. This is intensifying for the audience as it is their first sign of hope that perhaps Faustus will repent and go to heaven. Efforts are made to influence Faustus from the Good and Bad angels. It could be said that the Good angel represents the audience, who will have recognised his act of heresy. The bad angel on the other hand is a representative of the devil. The Good and Bad angels provide dramatic effects and are ext...