A Critical Discourse Analysis of Dr. Faustus’s Last Soliloquy by Christopher Marlowe: Fairclough’s 3D Model

Abstract

Christopher Marlowe, an eminent writer of the Elizabethan era, in his novel Dr. Faustus tragically put before us the downfall of power and pride through the zealous and renaissance character of Dr. Faustus. This study will represent the ultimate downfall of the conceited, self-centered soul that turned away from Christianity, disobeyed God, and surrendered to the devil to become divine and “the lord and master of these elements.” The ending of Dr. Faustus depicts a struggle between tragedy and Christianity, which holds that certain character defects cannot be corrected by turning to God. Christianity holds that restoration and salvation are possible. Marlowe creates a point where Dr. Faustus is condemned, allowing him to turn from his misdeeds and making Dr. Faustus a true tragedy. Despite his greatness and his many accomplishments, tragedy and sorrow found their way to Doctor Faustus. Ultimately, his own aspirations and wishes turned him into a miserable and horrible victim. The inferred meaning of his last words is elaborated and interpreted through critical discourse analysis (CDA) by using Fairclough’s 3D model.