Does Dr Faustus Embody Medieval or Renaissance Ideas?

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“Does Dr Faustus embody medieval or renaissance ideas?” In Doctor Faustus there is evidence that both medieval and renaissance ideas are incorporated into the play however the play embodies the renaissance values primarily. Renaissance ideas emerged in the late 1400s and continued until the 1600s. One of the major themes of the Renaissance is Humanism; this is both secular and religious. Another dominant theme is that of Secularism, there is a greater emphasis on non-religious values and concerns. There is also a focus on individualism during the play. Dr Faustus explores the themes of the Renaissance through Faustus’ acts of necromancy. Faustus has reached his limits of human knowledge from religion to science to law. It is in the opening to the play where it is that he decides to extend his abilities as a human being and test the limits and experiments with necromancy, “This night I’ll conjure, though I die therefore.” Faustus expresses that he plans to summon a spirit in the knowledge that he will die due to this act against God. “Go forward, Faustus, in that famous art Wherein all nature’s treasury is contained. Be thou on Earth as Jove is in the sky, Lord and commander of these elements”, this quote implies that the evil angel is persuading Faustus to follow his thoughts into carrying out the acts of necromancy in order for him to be himself on Earth as God is in the sky. The evil angel is telling Faustus to challenge human powers and compete with God. This goes against religion as God has the powers he does in order for Him to be able to watch over the Earth; God is omnibenevolent and omniscient which allows him to have power over human beings. By Faustus carrying out necromancy and summoning the devil, this shows that he is challenging the authority of God. Throughout the play Faustus has several opportunities to repent and be forgiven for his sins,

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