Doctor Faustus | Why, this is hell, nor am I out of it | Explanation

Doctor Faustus | Why, this is hell, nor am I out of it | Explanation

The quote "Why, this is hell, nor am I out of it" is a famous line from the play “Doctor Faustus” by Christopher Marlowe. This line is spoken by the protagonist, Doctor Faustus, after he has made a deal with the devil, Mephistopheles. He is now experiencing the consequences of that decision.

“Doctor Faustus” is a 16th century tragic drama. In this play, Christopher Marlowe shows how the famous scholar Doctor Faustus destroyed himself to quench his thirst for power and knowledge. Doctor Faustus was an esteemed scholar. He is dissatisfied with the limits of traditional forms of knowledge. He wanted to become the superpower forever. Therefore, he made a deal with the devil by exchanging his soul for 24 years of unlimited power and knowledge.

However, the quote reflects Faustus' realization that he is now trapped in a hellish existence. He had an initial belief that he could control the powers he had gained. The line suggests a sense of disillusionment and regret. Because, Faustus comes to understand that he is not truly free. Rather, he is a captive of the forces he has unleashed.

The quote also speaks to the universal struggle and their consequences. The human beings unfortunately suffer from the consequences of their choices and actions. Here, in this play, Doctor Faustus suffers from the consequences of his pursuit of knowledge and power. Therefore, in order to have vast knowledge and power he made a deal with the devil, Mephistopheles.

Now, he finds himself in a living hell of his own making. Faustus’ action shows the broader human experience of struggling with the moral and ethical implications of our decisions. It also shows the ways in which we can become trapped by our own desires and ambitions.

The above quote, therefore, creates a deep thought in the minds of reader. It captures the essence of tragedy at the heart of Doctor Faustus. It invites us to reflect on the nature of choice. It also highlights the limits of our own actions. Finally, the above quote from “Doctor Faustus” shows the way in which we can become ensnared by the very things we seek to control.

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