Chorus - Analysis

• Christopher Marlowe's use of a chorus to introduce the play reflects the Renaissance era's deep interest in classical Greek drama
• The Chorus establishes the past of Dr Faustus and his trajectory in the play, hoping to teach the audience not to make the same mistake
• The Chorus established how Dr Faustus is a character who embodies an extremist Renaissance humanist, who values self-direction and rational existence without divine oversight
• In the Chorus, the quote "his waxen wings mount above his reach" explores the myth of Icarus and how Faustus' pride (Hubris) & ambition will metaphorically will drive him to his downfall
• In the Chorus, the quote "his waxen wings mount above his reach", the term "above his reach" refers to Icarus and how he went beyond his abilities, but also serves as a metaphor for Faustus' pride and how he will do what's beyond best for him
• In the Chorus, the quote "his waxen wings mount above his reach", exploring the word "Wings" has connotations of potential which could mirror the idea of potential (mirroring the humanistic view)
• In the Chorus, the quote "his waxen wings mount above his reach", exploring the word "Wings" often symbolise flight literally or metaphorically and this flying could represent freedom from societal norms and the pursuit of higher ideals (mirrors Dr Faustus' ambition)
• In the Chorus, the quote "his waxen wings mount above his reach", exploring the word "Wings" often symbolise spiritual enlightenment, Faustus' will be a necromantic enlightenment (theme of atheism)
• In the Chorus, the quote "his waxen wings mount above his reach", exploring the word "Wings" might symbolise the quest for self-autonomy, Faustus wants to govern his own way not with divine oversight (mirrors Humanistic View)
• In the Chorus, the quote "his waxen wings mount above his reach", exploring the word "Wings" anatomically allow birds to fly, representing a sense of liberation & freedom for Faustus
• In the Chorus, the quote "his waxen wings mount above his reach", exploring the word "Wings" often symbolise freedom, so maybe Faustus feels oppressed and not liberated and confined because of Religion, and wants a new self discovery
• In the Chorus, the quote "his waxen wings mount above his reach", exploring the word "Wings", the character of Faustus may not have metaphorically wings yet, and feels confined and disillusioned, making him feel alienated and turn to necromancy (has Kafkaesque tendencies from "The Metamorphosis")
• In the Chorus, the quote "his waxen wings mount above his reach", exploring the word "Wings" often symbolise Angel Gabriel's Wings, suggesting divine protection and celestial realm, which Faustus will break these boundaries
• In the Chorus, the quote "his waxen wings mount above his reach", there is dramatic irony due to the juxtaposition of "waxen wings" and "above his reach" as the audience anticipates an inexorable downfall
• In the Chorus, the quote "his waxen wings mount above his reach", the lexical choice "mount" suggests a sense of elevation and ascent, suggesting an ambitious endeavour that fails due to hubris
• In the Chorus, the quote "his waxen wings mount above his reach", the lexical choice "waxen" implies a fragility or impermanence to this flight, suggesting human desires for earthly limitations is impossible
• In the Chorus, the quote "his waxen wings mount above his reach", the lexical choice of "waxen" suggests fragility and how Faustus' time is ephemeral & transient