Doctor Faustus By Christopher Marlowe Summary and Analysis Scene 2



SCENE 2

Enter two SCHOLARS.

FIRST SCHOLAR.
I wonder what's become of Faustus, that was wont
to make our schools ring with sic probo.

SECOND SCHOLAR.
That shall we know, for see, here comes his boy.

Enter WAGNER.

FIRST SCHOLAR.
How now, sirrah! where's thy master?

WAGNER.
God in heaven knows.

SECOND SCHOLAR.
Why, dost not thou know?

WAGNER.
Yes, I know; but that follows not.

FIRST SCHOLAR.
Go to, sirrah! leave your jesting, and tell us
where he is.

WAGNER.
That follows not necessary by force of argument, that you,
being licentiates, should stand upon: therefore acknowledge
your error, and be attentive.

SECOND SCHOLAR.
Why, didst thou not say thou knewest?

WAGNER.
Have you any witness on't?

FIRST SCHOLAR.
Yes, sirrah, I heard you.

WAGNER.
Ask my fellow if I be a thief.

SECOND SCHOLAR.
Well, you will not tell us?

WAGNER.
Yes, sir, I will tell you: yet, if you were not dunces,
you would never ask me such a question; for is not he corpus
naturale? and is not that mobile? then wherefore should you
ask me such a question? But that I am by nature phlegmatic,
slow to wrath, and prone to lechery (to love, I would say),
it were not for you to come within forty foot of the place
of execution, although I do not doubt to see you both hanged
the next sessions. Thus having triumphed over you, I will set
my countenance like a precisian, and begin to speak thus: —
Truly, my dear brethren, my master is within at dinner,
with Valdes and Cornelius, as this wine, if it could speak,
would inform your worships: and so, the Lord bless you,
preserve you, and keep you, my dear brethren, my dear brethren!
[Exit.]

FIRST SCHOLAR.
Nay, then, I fear he is fallen into that damned art
for which they two are infamous through the world.

SECOND SCHOLAR.
Were he a stranger, and not allied to me, yet should
I grieve for him. But, come, let us go and inform the Rector,
and see if he by his grave counsel can reclaim him.

FIRST SCHOLAR.
O, but I fear me nothing can reclaim him!

SECOND SCHOLAR.
Yet let us try what we can do.
[Exeunt.]

Summary

Two scholars come to Wagner to inquire about Faustus. Instead of giving a direct answer, Wagner uses superficial scholastic logic in order to prove to the two scholars that they should not have asked the question. After he displays a ridiculous knowledge of disputation, he finally reveals that Faustus is inside with Valdes and Cornelius. The two scholars then fear that Faustus has fallen into the practice of magic. They plan to see the Rector to "see if he by his grave counsel can reclaim" Faustus.

Analysis

Essentially, this scene functions as a comic interlude. This type of scene is often called an "echo scene" because Wagner's actions parody those of Faustus in the previous scene. The scene also functions as a contrast to the earlier scene in that the same subject is being presented — the use and misuse of knowledge. Earlier we had seen Faustus alone in his study displaying his knowledge of logic in order to justify his resorting to black magic. Now we have a contrast in which Wagner tries to use logic for no other purpose than to try to tell two scholars where Faustus is at the time.

Not only is the scene a comic interlude, but it is also a comment on the actions performed by Faustus. By the end of the second scene, we realize that Faustus' choice affects more people than just himself. First, Faustus has had a direct influence upon Wagner, who tries in his silly ways to imitate his master. Further-more, in the end of the scene, we see that many more people are concerned over Faustus' choice than just Faustus alone. The two scholars indicate their desire to reclaim Faustus. The use of the word "reclaim" keeps in view the idea that Faustus' choice to use magic has already damned him. Essentially, the concern of the scholars heightens Faustus' error. Finally, this scene functions technically to allow a certain amount of time to pass.

It is characteristic of Elizabethan dramatists to have the dramatic persona speak in a language that is appropriate to their characters. The higher or nobler characters speak in an elevated and formal language. The lower characters usually speak in prose. Faustus speaks in "Marlowe's Mighty Line," while Wagner speaks in a simple prose. Shakespeare also uses this same technique in many of his comedies. For instance, in A Midsummer Night's Dream, the noble characters speak in dignified language and the rustic characters use a more common idiom and speech.