Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Ballad of Faustus: Judgment of God Showed Upon John Faustus" is a poem by the English Renaissance playwright and poet Christopher Marlowe. Marlowe was born in 1564 and is known for his works that explored themes of power, temptation, and ambition.

Context:

"The Ballad of Faustus" was likely written in the late 16th century, during the Elizabethan era in England. The era was marked by the flourishing of the arts and literature, as well as political and religious upheaval.

Content:

"The Ballad of Faustus" is a retelling of the story of Doctor Faustus, a scholar who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for knowledge and power. The poem begins with Faustus summoning the devil and making his pact. However, as the years go by, Faustus begins to regret his decision and begs for God's forgiveness. Despite his pleas, Faustus is condemned to hell and suffers eternal damnation.

Act I: The play begins with the accession of King Edward II to the throne and his relationship with his favorite, Piers Gaveston. The nobles are angered by Gaveston's influence over the king and demand that he be banished.

Act II: Edward recalls Gaveston from banishment and the nobles rise up against him once again. The barons demand that Gaveston be executed, but Edward refuses and war breaks out.

Act III: Edward is defeated in battle and imprisoned. He is forced to abdicate in favor of his son, Prince Edward, and Gaveston is captured and executed.

Act IV: The new king, Prince Edward, is challenged by his cousin, Mortimer, who leads a rebellion against him. Mortimer gains the support of the queen, Isabella, and they capture and imprison the king.

Act V: Edward is murdered in prison, and Mortimer becomes the new ruler of England. However, he is eventually overthrown and executed by the new king, Edward III.

Overall, the play explores themes of power, loyalty, and betrayal, as well as the struggle for control between the monarchy and the nobles. The character of Edward II is depicted as a weak and ineffective king who is unable to control the nobles or his own desires, leading to his downfall. The play also highlights the corruption and political intrigue of the time period, and the consequences of making poor decisions and alliances.

Form:

"The Ballad of Faustus" is written in ballad form, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB. The poem is divided into quatrains, with each stanza containing four lines. The form of the poem is consistent with the conventions of ballad poetry, which often featured narrative themes.

Poetic Elements:

Marlowe uses a range of poetic devices in "The Ballad of Faustus" to convey the narrative and emotional impact of the story. For example, he uses repetition to emphasize the consequences of Faustus' actions, as well as to create a sense of rhythm and momentum. He also uses metaphor and imagery to describe Faustus' torment and the horrors of hell.

Summary:

"The Ballad of Faustus" is a powerful and haunting retelling of the Faust legend. Marlowe's use of ballad form and poetic devices creates a sense of urgency and immediacy, and his exploration of themes of temptation, regret, and damnation continue to resonate with contemporary readers. Although the poem may be limited in its thematic scope, it is a notable example of ballad poetry and offers insight into the cultural and artistic developments of the Elizabethan era. Overall, "The Ballad of Faustus" is a valuable contribution to the canon of English poetry.

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