sthreatening pride begins as early as the prologue when the chorus compares Dr. Faustuswith Icarus, their similarity being vanity. CHORUS. Excelling, all whose sweet delight disputesIn heavenly matters of theology.Till, swollen with cunning, of a self conceit, His waxen wings did mount above his reach,And melting heavens conspired his overthrow.(prologue,18-22)This excerpt suggests, that like Icarus, Dr. Faustus pride will lead to his overthrow. Otherexamples of Faustus arrogance are the scenes in which he comments on the things thatthe devil shows him. Several times in the play, Faustus remarks that hat Mephastophilisshows or tells him could easily be figured out by his own student, Wagner.FAUSTUS. Tush, these slender trifles Wagner can decide!(scene 5, 222)To make a statement such as that is egotistical, and typical of his character. Otherstatements that Dr. Faustus made in which his egotism is apparent are as follows:FAUSTUS. I charge thee to return and change thy shape,Thou art too ugly to attend on me;(scene 3, 23-24)FAUSTUS. Come, I think hells a fable................................................Thinkest thou that Faustus is so fond to imagine That after this life there is any pain?Tush, these are trifles and mere old wives tales.(scene 5, 126-134)In these examples, Dr. Faustus clearly regards himself on a higher level than hell and itsdevils. He will allow Mephastophilis to be his servant, but only in a more becomingshape, even though it is Mephastophilis that brings Faustus his magic. Furthermore,despite Mephastophilis warnings, Faustus is oblivious to the dangers about him; hebelieves nothing will or can happen to him. It is the notion of near superhuman power thatFaustus possesses that creates this unmovable pride. Faustus believes he is all-knowing; ifanything was wrong, he would perceive it.The arrogance that hinders Dr. Faustus judgment continues as the playprogresses, and it is depicted in several scenes. Faustus wish...
