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Scene Study prepares you to perform key scenes for your theater class or audition. We've got all the information you need for a great performance.
Excerpt from Scene 3 Dialogue: Faustus, Mephistophilis
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Understanding the Given Circumstances
- A brilliant scholar of medicine, theology, and law, Dr. Faustus finds his studies lacking in his quest to understand the mysteries of the Universe. He believes the Dark Arts will bring him the knowledge, power, and wealth he desires, proclaiming, “O what a world of profit and delight, of power, of honor, of omnipotence is promised to the studious artisan.”
- Soon after his musings, two angels appear to Faustus while he sits in his study. The Good Angel begs him to give up his pursuit of magic and turn to God’s Scriptures. The Bad Angel promises that magic contains all of nature’s treasures. Faustus prefers the Bad Angel’s advice.
- Later that night, Faustus attempts to conjure the devil Mephistophilis, having consulted books on magic and alchemy. Chanting a Latin incantation, he creates a circle with Jehovah’s name, the anagrams of saints’ names, and other symbols inside. He sprinkles it with Holy Water and makes the Sign of the Cross. Suddenly, Mephistophilis appears.
Blocking and Movement
In theater, blocking is the process of planning the actors’ physical movements and positions. Be sure to show respect and establish trust when working with scene partners. As you prepare to block this scene, ask yourself the following questions:
- We know Faustus creates a circle with certain symbols inside. Is he inside his study for this, like in the scene with the Angels; out in “the solitary grove” he talked about earlier with friends; or somewhere else? Throughout the scene, do the characters use the circle, avoid it, destroy it, or something else?
- Does Faustus expect to conjure a devil on his first attempt, or is he surprised?
- Where and how does Mephistophilis enter (e.g., slithering onstage, jumping in front of Faustus, calmly walking behind Faustus, or something else)? Does he make a sound to capture Faustus’s attention? How does Faustus’s reaction change?
- Mephistophilis first appears as a monster and returns as a friar. Without using costumes, how can gestures and positioning help achieve this transition? Does his first entrance invade Faustus’s personal space, or does he keep his distance? What is his posture as a friar?
- Faustus believes himself to be the smartest man in the room. How is this attitude reflected in his treatment of Mephistophilis, especially when he begins to perceive the devil as his servant? How does his training as a lawyer come into play?
- Mephistophilis reveals his past to Faustus. Is this a warning, a moment of vulnerability, manipulation, or something else? Is it directed at Faustus or an aside?
Character Relationships
From the moment Mephistophilis transforms from monster to friar, Dr. Faustus believes himself to be in command. Faustus attributes the devil’s quiet obedience to his own magic skills and superior knowledge. When Mephistophilis informs Faustus that he works only for Lucifer and describes his own fall from grace, Faustus interprets this as servitude and weakness. He belittles the devil, issues his demands for a contract with Lucifer, and dreams of being “the emperor of the world” with Mephistophilis as his docile servant.
Mephistophilis’s approach to Faustus is far more subtle, for his expertise lies in the manipulation of human nature to acquire souls. Recognizing the doctor’s arrogance and pride, Mephistophilis nurtures those pretensions by making his physical presence less threatening and describing his “humble” position in the demon hierarchy. Mephistophilis also pricks Faustus’s ego when describing Lucifer’s fall from grace due to “aspiring pride and insolence.” In a moment Faustus interprets as unmanly weakness, Mephistophilis cries out to Faustus to “leave these frivolous demands.” However, despite the devil’s outward humility, his actions drive the vain, proud Faustus into continuing down his path. As Mephistophilis departs, it is up to the audience to decide who is really servant and master.
Full Scene 3 Dialogue: Faustus, Mephistophilis
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