Morality in Drama

Paper Summary:

This paper explains that Shakespeare's play, "Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark", addresses morality from the viewpoint of a Prince who is not only grieving but also confused. Whereas, while Hamlet is debilitated by uncertainty, Dr. Faustus, in Christopher Marlow's play "Dr. Faustus", is debilitated by the evil to which he has sold his soul to Lucifer. The author compares the themes of death, the possibility of life after death, the supernatural and lethargy, all of which appear in both plays. In its conclusion, the paper notes that Hamlet emerges victorious but tragic as the victim of the various conspiracies that reach their climax at the end of the play whereas Faustus, in the end, emerges defeated in death.

Table of Contents:
Introduction
Indecision, Lethargy, and the Right Thing
Comparative Themes
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"As a moral point, this illustrates the illusive and deceptive nature of the devil's promises. Furthermore, Faustus is not only unable to mobilize himself to do something world-changing with his powers despite having the ability to do so; he is particularly unable to make the right decision towards his own redemption. Knowing that his soul is bound for eternal damnation does not motivate him beyond his lethargy. Indeed, it appears that Faustus's lethargy progresses with the progression of time. Eventually his lethargy proves fatal."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Marlowe, Christopher. Dr. Faustus. Available online: http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/etext97/drfst10a.txt
• Shakespeare, William. Hamlet, the Prince of Denmark. Available online: http://www.william-shakespeare.info/script-text-hamlet.htm

More papers on Morality in Drama:

• Comparison Essay # 83635 : "Patriarchal Moral Values in Drama "
• Essay # 84417 : "Religion and Romance in English Drama "
• Essay # 58542 : "Reflexivity of Medieval Drama"

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