Scene 10 - Analysis

• In Scene 10, after the Knight gets Horns on his head by Faustus, he exclaims "Thou damned wretch and execrable dog"
• In Scene 10, "Thou damned wretch and execrable dog", this quote has a strong sense of Catharsis as the Knight is expressing his heightened emotions at Faustus' powers
• In Scene 10, "Thou damned wretch and execrable dog", the use of derogatory terms expresses the Knight's extreme hostility and moral condemnation towards Faustus
• In Scene 10, "Thou damned wretch and execrable dog", the lexical choice "dog" uses vivid imagery to dehumanise Faustus and bring his image down to a malicious dog
• In Scene 10, "Thou damned wretch and execrable dog", The lexical choice of "dog" further dehumanizes Faustus, aligning him with base and contemptible creatures
• In Scene 10, "Thou damned wretch and execrable dog", the repetition of "d" sounds creates a sense of harshness to enhance the intensity and Cathartic response of the Knight
• In Scene 10, the Horns on the Knight's head could symbolise the Devil, suggesting the Knight embodies temptation or evil (creates irony as this is actually Faustus)
• For Marlowe's audience, a man whose wife was unfaithful to him was known as a cuckold and was represented as having a pair of horns growing out of his head, this symbolises the Knight and his humiliation & betrayal in Scene 10
• In Scene 10, "Thou damned wretch and execrable dog", the lexical choice "dog" are often presented as loyal animals, but in this case it shows the untrustworthiness of Faustus
• In Scene 10, "Thou damned wretch and execrable dog", the lexical choice "dog" degrades Faustus, the Knight is trying to imply Faustus is untrustworthy or inferior (trying to belittle Faustus even though he has a lot more power)
• In Scene 10, "Thou damned wretch and execrable dog", the lexical choice "dog" metaphorically dehumanises Faustus into someone who is crude & uncivilised (which is true as he isn't integrated into society anymore)
• In Scene 10, "Thou damned wretch and execrable dog", the lexical choice "dog" have often been symbols of being unclean and dirty, so the Knight is suggesting Faustus is cruel and dirty with his magic
• In Scene 10, "Thou damned wretch and execrable dog", the lexical choice "dog" has medicinal connotations as in the Renaissance, Dogs were often believed to be spreading the Plague, so the Knight compares Faustus to an extreme epidemic who has creates heinous situations
• In Scene 10, "Thou damned wretch and execrable dog", the lexical choice "dog" has medicinal connotations as in the Renaissance, Dogs were often believed to be spreading the Plague, and the Plague was a punishment from God, so this could foreshadow how Faustus will be punished
• In Scene 10, "Thou damned wretch and execrable dog", the use of diction amplifies the insults and their forceful nature, implying that Faustus is callous and abhorrent (detestable)
• In Scene 10, "Thou damned wretch and execrable dog", the quote employs vivid imagery to evoke a sense of disgust and disdain and the image of a "wretch" emphasizes Faustus's miserable and pitiable state
• In Scene 10, "Thou damned wretch and execrable dog", the use of alliteration of "d" sounds creates a harsh and accusatory tone, amplifying the catharsis and intensity of the insults
• In Scene 10, "Thou damned wretch and execrable dog", the use of alliteration of "d" sounds creates a rhythmic quality which is ironic as he is being insulted, but could also amplify his anger
• In Scene 10, "Thou damned wretch and execrable dog", the lexical choice "damned" is ironic as the audience know Faustus will be damned, so it creates a sense of foreboding as it foreshadows Faustus' hamartia
• In Scene 10, "Thou damned wretch and execrable dog", the use of hyperbole is used to amplify the catharsis in the Knight's response