49.0k views
0 votes
What effect is achieved by Faustus's conjuring up Alexander the Great for the Emperor to see?

Next to Alexander the Great, Faustus's power seems insignificant
The scene reminds the reader of the greatness that awaits Faustus.
Faustus's social standing is elevated because he has impressed the Emperor.
The Emperor is made to look inferior next to Faustus's power.

2 Answers

3 votes

Answer:

A) Next to Alexander the Great, Fraustus's powers seem insignificant.

Step-by-step explanation:

User Liang Zhang
by
5.2k points
4 votes

Answer:

The correct answer is that the effect achieved by this conjuring is that “Faustus social standing is elevated because he has impressed the Emperor”.

Step-by-step explanation:

This scene corresponds to the IV act of Christopher Marlow’s play: The Tragical History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus; which corresponds to the Elizabethan period (1558-1603). Among other topics, this play talks about the capital sin of pride, defined in the Christian doctrine. In a way, all the characters in the play express the human desire for more –money, power, knowledge, magic–. Faustus agreement with Mephistopheles (exchanging his soul for magic) has become a symbol of this thirst for having more.

In scene II of this act, Faustus summons the spirits of the Emperor Alexander the Great and his lover, to prove his power to the Emperor Carlous. Despite other character’s skepticism, Faustus gets helps from Mephistopheles and manages to make the spirits appear. Emperor Carlous is delighted and promises him a reward. As such, the correct answer is that “Faustus social standing is elevated because he has impressed the Emperor”.

This scene does not intend to make the Emperor look inferior to Faustus, neither expresses the greatness that awaits him, as he is already powerful. And of course, Faustus power does appear insignificant before Alexander, on the contrary, summoning such an important Emperor and making his spirits appear are an expression of his power.

User Brice
by
5.2k points