Analyse Marlowe's depiction of Faustus' relationship with magic based on the lines 'Tis magic, magic that hast ravished me'

The repetition of the word ‘magic’ denotes a conclusive and certain tone to this line which implies that his decision to pursue necromancy is definite. The word ‘ravish’, though primarily referring to the inciting of strong emotion, is also indicative of sexual violation or to be seized by violent means. Therefore Faustus’ lexical choice on the line is highly significant: not only does it expose the erotic thrill that Faustus obtains in the pursuit of knowledge, but furthermore in ‘ravish’ Faustus seemingly casts himself in a passive role, suggesting that ‘magic’ has taken him and that he is helpless and must submit to his own desires. He dismisses the notion that the decision to pursue necromancy is within his control and instead promotes the ideology that he his powerless to his attraction towards trying his ‘brains to gain a deity’.Therefore overall this line demonstrates both the immense temptation Faustus finds in magic and that he regards himself as helplessly drawn to it, as he suggests he lacks agency and so must submit to his own desires.

Answered by Madeleine B. English tutor

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