Doctor Faustus Essays: Applying the Psychoanalytical Approach :: Doctor Faustus Essays

Applying the Psychoanalytical Approach to Dr. Faustus               Within the textbook of Christopher Marlowes Doctor Faustus, a ref notices the exertion between the superego and the id. Throughout the play, Faustus struggles with himself enchantment Lucifer and Mephistopheles struggle with him. Though these huge conflicts take place in the text they argonnt the greatest of situations when one tries to apply the psychoanalytical approach. The most distinct situation arrives with the introduction of the Seven Deadly Sins. They represent the constant struggle between the id and the superego. They add to the seduction of Dr. Faustus and the constant struggle in a chaotic Hell.   The id possesses most of the sins Pride, Covetousness, Envy, Wrath, Gluttony and Lechery. All six of these sins testify characteristics that ar strong and powerful. Though these sound as if they were good characteristics, they are really extremely over-bearing. When the sins explain who they are, they dont leave both room for argument. They just consecrate who they are, and they take what they want. For example, Pride explains what he can do with a charr I can creep into every corner of a hiss sometimes, like periwig I sit upon her brow next, like a necklace I hang about her neck then, like a winnow of feathers I kiss her... (Marlowe, II.ii.120) Obviously, Pride feels powerful enough to take any woman he wants and perform with her any way he wants. With a sly and mischievous voice Pride states what he can do and no one can change it. Another great federal agency of the id is Lechery or lust. Lechery just walks out and struts her stuff in front of Faustus. The reader realizes that her power is not in her words but in her presence. as yet Lucifer notices her strength because he sends her away almost as close as she comes in. Away, to hell, away On, piper (Marlowe, II.ii.177) Lechery closes the deal on Faustus. Her pres ence is so powerful that Faustus returns to the hands of Lucifer. All six of these Seven Deadly Sins show their strength and power, for they dont back down, except to Lucifer. They do what they want and say what they please, because they are the angels of Lucifer, the most evil angel of them all. In achieving their goals they are very predatory and Lucifer provides them all the freedom they need in order bring forth new souls like Faustus.