Irony in Doctor Faustus

 

Dr. Faustus abounds in ironical situations. The happenings go contrary to the plans of Dr. Faustus. Irony is a technique used by the writer to indicate through character, situation or dialogue, certain developments which are opposite to what is actually stated. In simpler words, when there is a gap between what is said and what is intended, it is an example of irony. The character of Faustus is fraught with ironies of multiple kinds. 

Dramatic Irony:

The audience knows more than the characters in the play. We are aware of Faustus's impending damnation due to his play with the devil, Mephistopheles. This creates dramatic irony because Faustus remains unaware of his ultimate fate, despite various warnings and signs.

Situational Irony:

Faustus seeks knowledge and power through his deal with the devil, but instead of gaining true knowledge and power, he becomes a slave to Mephistopheles. He initially believes he can control the devil, but he ends up being controlled by him.

Irony in Faustus's Choices:

Faustus's decision to trade his soul for 24 years of worldly power and pleasure is ironic because he believes that he will be able to enjoy life to the fullest, but he ultimately experiences misery, guilt, and despair. The very things he thought would bring him happiness lead to his downfall.

In Act I, Scene iii, Faustus summons Mephistophilis and is swollen with pride at his achievement as the perfect conjurer but finds that the devil has come not at his calling but on his own sweet will and their eagerness to add one more person to devil’s party.

There is irony in the character of Dr. Faustus, too. Faustus, a formidable scholar who has acquired a glorious position in life, so sharp in reason, so fine in intellect could not understand the basic realities of life. Faustus who risked his soul to the devil only to have a command over the world becomes so fragile and feeble in front of Lucifer and Mephistophilis. This is the height of irony.

Mephistophilis who according to the deal was to be Faustus’s servant becomes his commander in the later phases. We find the all confident Faustus totally at the mercy and the control of Mephistophilis. Another ironical situation is that Faustus expected Mephistophilis to satisfy all his curiosities and queries but Mephistophilis would not answer Faustus’s queries about hell as it reminded him of his own tortured state of existence; he wouldn’t answer Faustus’s questions about the creation of the earth as well, for God, who created the Earth is his enemy. He couldn’t provide Faustus with a wife as marriage is a divine sacrament.

Not anywhere near the realization of his aspirations, Faustus gradually degenerates into despair and dejection during the twenty-four years of his contract. In the last scene Faustus pleads to Helen to make him immortal at a time when he is so close to his eternal damnation.

 

What Faustus couldn’t understand is that faith in God is such a great strength that no devil can dare to come near him. No doubt human condition is quite restrictive but these restrictions and limitations are virtues to be cherished.

Irony intensifies the effect of tragedy in the play. Marlowe has used irony in a subtle way in Dr. Faustus. The ironical condition of Dr. Faustus, fraught with tragic dilemmas actually defines the basic human condition for all times.

the irony in "Doctor Faustus" underscores the central themes of ambitious nature, hubris, the consequences of one's choices, and the corrupting nature of power. It serves as a powerful commentary on the human condition and the dangers of forsaking one's morality in the pursuit of personal gain.