Morality in two plays: Doctor Faustus and Importance of Being Earnest - Book Report/Review Example

GWENDOLEN: Oh! I hope I am not that. It would leave no room for developments, and I intend to develop in many directions. (Wilde 358) Readers can see clearly what Wilde is suggesting and thus it becomes obvious that he was absolutely not interested in upholding conventional morality. However, Marlowe was not so original or heterodox. He believed in the morality of his times and thus his play is full of moral lessons and suggestions. Though Doctor Faustus was moved more by power and achievement than moral values, still the fear of damnation surrounds him constantly and is often found in the play.

At one point, for example, we see Faustus eulogizing human power and greatness: But think'st thou heauen is such a glorious thing? I tell thee Faustus it is not halfe so faire As thou, or any man that breathe[s] on earth. (574-76) Go forward Faustus in that famous Art Wherein all natures treasure is contain'd: Be thou on earth as Ioue is in the skye, Lord and Commander of these elements. (101-4) But such lines are not left alone. They are quickly responded to in stern words that instantly evoke fear of damnation: Why this is hell: nor am I out of it.

Think'st thou that I who saw the face of God, And tasted the eternall Ioyes of heauen, Am not tormented with ten thousand hels, In being depriu'd of euerlasting blisse? O Faustus leaue these friuolous demandes, Which strike a terror to my fainting soule. (301-7) Despite the stern admonition found in Doctor Faustus, the play remains one of the richest works. What is delightful about it is the constant effort of the author to make us understand Faustus and his moral failings. While we would want to sympathize with the protagonist and may have even forgiven him for his transgression, but the author chooses not to take that path.

Instead he develops his character in a way that would best serve us a warning to not go astray and not break God's law. The main reason the author seems confused between the two paths is because of the conflict that his protagonist faces in reconciling two different value systems. The hero wants one thing and he wants it his way while the convention suggests that he should have tried the straighter path. This is an intense conflict that leads to some serious