Two Faustian-Influenced Works

Paper Summary:

Compares "Doctor Faustus" by Christopher Marlowe and a German silent film adaptation from the 1920s, "The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari". Explores how, during their times, they played with popular conventions and perceptions. The paper also deals with Expressionism and the Elizabethan stage.

From the Paper:

"The historical German story of Doctor Faustus has been used as inspiration in all forms of media, and across many cultures. The most noted English literary adaptation is the play by Christopher Marlowe, The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus, written in 1592. In the medium of film, the story of Faustus can be made into a highly visual experience, different than that found in Marlowe's outlet of the Elizabethan stage, and so can give an alternative insight into these well known Faustian traditions. The Cabinet of Doctor Caligari, is a silent German art film, produced in 1919 by Robert Wiene, and written by Carl Mayer and Hans Janowitz. It deals creatively with the Faustian themes, including the concept of the divided self, temptation of power, and the search for superior knowledge. In addition, Caligari serves as a response to post-WWI Germany. Through the use of expressionism and the questioning of the senses of reality, both works of Faustus coincide with changes in popular perceptions."

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