Faustus Context

Catholics vs Protestants- 16th Century:

From the early 16th century, catholicism and protestantism have fought over supremacy in England.In 1517, Martin Luther (a german priest) nailed the 95 Theses to a Catholic church door in Wiitenburg (also where Faustus studies), which started the Reformation. Luther's beliefs and teachings quickly spread across Europe, and eventually to Tudor Britain.

King Henry VIII, who was the king at the time of the Reformation, broke with Rome and started a new church called the Church of England, when the Pope refused to annul his marriage. At the time Faustus was written (late 16th century) Catholicism was banned in England since Queen Elizabeth, a protestant Queen, succeeded her half sister Mary I in 1558.

The pope was referred to as the anti-christ, hence why he is mocked in the play. Mass and Catholic teachings were feared by society, and if Catholics were found they would be tortured or sentenced to death. Uneducated people were reguarly represented on stage as Catholic.

Marlowe was suspected to be a Catholic sympathist.

Humanism:

humanist- a scholar of the Humanities

• The Renaissance (15th-16th century) was known as the rebirth of learning. European intellectuals devoted themselves to the rediscovery of roman and greek philosophy, literature and rhetoric.
• Out of all this learning came the question; what is it to be human? Reason, balance and a sense of humnaity were the central ideas of humanist thoughts.
• The humanist's aim was to rediscover the learning of the ancient world by learning ancient languages and interpreting texts. This lead to re-interpreting the bible, and the humanist attitude was not regarding humanity as fallen but our truth and excellence are based on human values and existance. This rose conflict between Christian teachings and the humanists.
• Humanist theories were affected 16th century universities (oxford and cambridge) where Marlowe studied.

The Faust Story:

• A german legend which Marlowe might've read in 1587 at Cambridge
• Follows the story of a scholar and travelling magician who is dissatisfied with his life, which leads him to make a deal with the Devil to attain magic.

Marlowe also reffered to stories from the bible, i.e. Adam + Eve, Lucifer's Fall