Exploring the Similarities Between Doctor Faustus and Hamlet

William Shakespeare, the renowned playwright, weaves intricate themes and characters throughout his works. Doctor Faustus and Hamlet are two such plays that explore themes of damnation, revenge, contemplation, and the human condition. While these plays differ in genre and setting, they share several important similarities that enrich our understanding of humanity and morality.

Blasphemy and Damnation: A Common Fate

In Doctor Faustus and Hamlet, the principal characters find themselves on the brink of damnation, albeit through different means. Dr. Faustus, a scholar who contracts with the devil, ultimately finds himself damned for his blasphemy and unwarranted hubris. Conversely, Prince Hamlet finds himself damned for his act of murder when he kills Polonius in Act 3.

However, the ways in which these characters deal with their damnation are quite different. Faustus has a direct, albeit terrifying, encounter with the moments of his entry into Hell. His speech is filled with a mix of fear, remorse, and defiance, as he details his descent into the underworld. In contrast, Hamlet ends with a scene that eerily resembles theconditions of Hell on Earth. Nonetheless, both characters experience profound emotional and existential upheaval as a result of their actions.

The Role of Academic Excellence

Both plays showcase the potential for academic excellence leading to moral and ethical dilemmas. Dr. Faustus is a man of remarkable intellectual prowess who seeks to surpass the limits of human knowledge by relying on supernatural forces. Similarly, Hamlet, a prince blessed with a profound education, grapples with questions of justice, morality, and responsibility.

The tragic aspect of these characters lies in their failure to balance their academic pursuits with moral integrity. Faustus’s thirst for forbidden knowledge and Hamlet’s quest for justice ultimately lead them to tragic ends. Their characters serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the consequences of making hasty decisions.

Connecting the Two Plays: A Suggested Reading

If you’re interested in delving deeper into the parallels between Doctor Faustus and Hamlet, Wittenberg by David Davalos is a fascinating read. This play imagines Hamlet studying alongside Dr. Faustus and Martin Luther at the university of Wittenberg. By placing these characters in the same setting, Davalos provides a unique perspective that enhances our understanding of their historical and cultural contexts.

The American Shakespeare Center performed all three plays in repertory in 2014-15, offering a compelling and collaborative experience for audiences. These performances highlight the connections between the two plays and provide an excellent opportunity for a richer understanding of Shakespeare’s works.

In conclusion, Doctor Faustus and Hamlet offer a powerful exploration of human nature, moral responsibility, and the consequences of our actions. By studying these plays, we gain insight not only into Shakespeare’s genius but also into the universal aspects of the human experience.