Question

Think about all of the acts that Faustus performs by using his new supernatural powers. Has Faustus become an evil man? Explain why you do or do not believe that Faustus is evil. Support your argument with evidence from the text. (250–300 words):

Answer 1

Step-by-step explanation:

Faustus was never an evil man but it was his thirst to seek knowledge that had led him to perform evil. His relentless pursuit of knowledge and wisdom has turned him from a bi-shop to a demon. He possessed a desire to transcend human life. His restless hunger for the intellect led him to the acquisition of necro-mancy. His unforgiving ambition and inquisitiveness make him disobey the divine authority and there he has turned from good to evil as the one who refuses to obey the divine orders is considered as "sinner". Lack of moral strength to use the magic efficiently for humanity turns him into a petty man for whom his impulses are of utmost concern and above all the moral values and supreme orders. One more reason for him being called an evil was his constant refusal to repent and labeling hell as "fable" as he aspired to de-throne God and for which he gave away his soul too without giving it a thought. However, he was not evil at the beginning as he was an excellent scholar but his obsession to seek wisdom has led him to the ultimate dam-nation.

Answer 2

There are many who argue Faustus is not an evil man just because he has some positive traits and faults like everyone of us. He can be excused due to the fact that he is an educated man who seeks knowledge.

Others may contend that he is exonerated because he wants to defeat the devil. He has been depicted as a human being who is trying to better himself but his choices do not work out perfectly in his favor all the time. Yet, Faustus is a scholar who debates between following good and evil.He makes his choices and is ultimately won over by greed. This can scarcely be considered a trait of a good human being.

I believe Faustus is evil. In his thirst for knowledge he seeks out the dark arts. Faustus is definitely on a quest for knowledge to get power. He wants to boost his worth by becoming a more powerful man. In order to achieve this he hands over his soul for the ability to perform magic.

His greed is so overwhelming that he dupes himself that magic will turm him into a god as wealthy as a king. But his newly gained tricks are put out to little use but to humiliate people who have done nothing to harm him. This is shows that he was an evil person at heart that uses knowledge as a mere excuse to unleash his cruel nature.

Faustus is doomed by his excessive ambition and pride, but he is also dominated by his evil nature that in the face of choices always picks the wrong bargains .