Doctor Faustus Chorus Quotes

Chorus > Chorus

Quote 4

CHORUS
But new exploits do hale him out again,
And, mounted then upon a dragon's back,
That with his wings did part the subtle air,
He now is gone to prove cosmography,
That measures coasts and kingdoms of the earth. (3.Chorus.16-20)

Faustus has totally achieved a god's-eye view of the earth. In other words, he can see everything. He's omniscient, which is often a word the devout use to describe God. One of God's powers, as told in the Christian creation story, is as measurer and analyzer of his creation. But Faustus takes this role upon himself when he seeks to measure the earth's kingdoms from above.

Chorus > Faustus

Quote 5

CHORUS
So much he profits in divinity
That shortly he was graced with doctor's name,
Excelling all, and sweetly can dispute
In th'heavenly matters of theology;
Till swoll'n with cunning, of a self-conceit,
His waxen wings did mount above his reach,
And melting, heavens conspired his overthrow. (Prologue.15-20)

Ever heard of Icarus? He's the figure from Greek mythology who tried to fly too close to the sun and fell to Earth and died when its rays melted the wax holding his hand-crafted wings together (to make a long story short). The implication is that the gods are jealous when Icarus (and Faustus) tries to do things beyond the normal abilities of humankind. And, boy, do they get punished for it.