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Definition of Irony
Irony is a literary device or event in which how things seem to be is in fact very different from how they actually are. If this seems like a loose definition... read full definition
Irony is a literary device or event in which how things seem to be is in fact very different from how they actually are. If this... read full definition
Irony is a literary device or event in which how things seem to be is in fact very different from how... read full definition
Key Examples in Doctor Faustus
Scene 1
Explanation and Analysis—Famous Last Words:
Following Faustus’s introductory soliloquy, he is visited by the magicians Cornelius and Valdes, who are pleased to learn that Faustus intends to take their advice and study the necromantic arts. Eager to assure Valdes that his determination to attain riches and glory through the practice of magic is no mere passing, superficial desire, Faustus professes his commitment in an instance of dramatic irony:
Valdes, as resolute am I in this
As thou to live. Therefore object it not.
Related Themes:
Scene 3
Explanation and Analysis—Virtuous Magic:
When Faustus succeeds in summoning Mephastophilis from hell, he is amazed at not only his accomplishment of the task, but also at the apparent power he holds over the devil. In this deeply ironic scene, Mephastophilis’s disappearance following Faustus’s command that he change his appearance to that of a Franciscan friar leads Faustus to believe that he actually possesses the ability to force an actual demon to follow his will:
Unlock with LitCharts A+I see there’s virtue in my heavenly words.
Who would not be proficient in this art?
How pliant is this Mephistopheles,
Full of obedience and humility!
Such is the force of magic and my spells.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Faustus the Fearless:
Once Faustus successfully summons the devil Mephastophilis for the first time, he eagerly expresses his wish to learn more about Lucifer and hell. In an instance of situational irony, Faustus claims to have no fear of devils or Hell or Lucifer himself, even as he stands before a literal devil:
Unlock with LitCharts A+So Faustus hath
Already done, and holds this principle:
There is no chief but only Beelzebub,
To whom Faustus doth dedicate himself.
This word ‘damnation’ terrifies not him,
For he confounds hell in Elysium.
His ghost be with the old philosophers!
But leaving these vain trifles of men’s souls,
Tell me what is that Lucifer thy lord?
Related Themes:
Scene 5
Explanation and Analysis—Unwilling Blood:
Faustus’s desire for magic and power leads him to offer his soul to Lucifer in exchange for attaining 24 years of Mephastophilis’s servitude. However, in a perfect example of situational irony, just as Faustus readies himself to sign his soul away to the devil, his very blood congeals in rebellion against the deed. In fact, his blood is so solidified that it takes burning coal fetched by Mephastophilis to liquify it enough for writing. Faustus marvels at the possible meaning of this phenomenon:
Unlock with LitCharts A+What might the staying of my blood portend?
Is it unwilling I should write this bill?
Why streams it not, that I may write afresh?
‘Faustus gives to thee his soul’ – ah, there it stayed!
Why shouldst thou not? Is not thy soul thine own?
Then write again: ‘Faustus gives to thee his soul.'
Related Themes:
