Evan Koehler; Dr. Faustus

I read this aloud (like the last one) largely because I have a problem with the old English (in understanding it). I did not feel the end of the play accomplished well what Marlowe wanted. I did not think the play glorifies the power of god well enough (regardless of someone's spiritual beliefs, the catholic church puts all power in god). There is powerful statement (with some of the most morbid and lucid imagery I've ever read) with regard to the power of hell; the devil and his adjuncts are somewhat spell-binding in their composition and a strict testament to the strength of sin in capturing a person. I had a hard time reading this play, also, because of the timing. I think I understood that Faustus is awarded 24 years of what he wants and the play doesn't accommodate that. Obviously, because of a necessity to have a reasonable playing time, the play cannot run that time----but, even still, I found the structure too jumpy and there was no inclusion of information that would have explained what he was doing or would have done in some period of time. The magic included---the building of the castle for the emperor, the horns, the horse who turns to straw---is particularly interesting to me because they are demonstrations and evocations of things that are fantasy-like and acceptable now as entertainment. I did not find this particularly pleasant to read; I do not think this play was intended for entertainment, and I also believe its goal was to do nothing but scare and teach.