CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE’S "DR. FAUSTUS " AND THE RENAISSANCE QUEST FOR KNOWLEDGE: A TENSION BETWEEN HUMANISM AND DIVINE LIMITS- IN ELIZABETHAN ERA (1558-1603)

Abstract

Christopher Marlowe’s Dr. Faustus (1592) serves as a pivotal exploration of the Renaissance quest for knowledge, illustrating the tension between humanist ideals and the divine limits imposed by Christian theology. Set within the intellectual landscape of the Elizabethan era (1558–1603), Marlowe’s play embodies the Renaissance thirst for knowledge, self-improvement, and the exploration of human potential. Dr. Faustus, the protagonist, represents the era’s ambition to transcend the constraints of traditional thought and gain mastery over both natural and supernatural forces. Through his pact with the devil, Faustus seeks to access forbidden knowledge and power, embodying the Renaissance desire to challenge authority, including that of religion.

However, this quest for intellectual and spiritual freedom becomes the central tragedy of the play. Marlowe’s depiction of Faustus’ downfall suggests that the pursuit of knowledge, when unchecked by humility and respect for divine authority, leads to destruction. The play critiques the humanist ideal of boundless intellectual growth by highlighting the consequences of Faustus’ hubris. While humanism celebrated the potential of human reason and individualism, Marlowe uses Dr. Faustus to explore the limits of this worldview, emphasizing that certain divine truths are beyond human comprehension and should not be tampered with.

This paper examines how Dr. Faustus encapsulates the conflict between Renaissance humanism’s intellectual aspirations and the theological limits imposed by Christianity. By analyzing Faustus’ tragic journey, the paper reflects on how Marlowe critiques the Renaissance ideals of unlimited human potential, ultimately portraying a cautionary tale about the perils of overreaching ambition and the dangers of neglecting spiritual salvation.