Scene 11 - Analysis

• In Scene 11, Faustus is trying to convince himself its not too late to save himself by stating "Confound these passions with a quiet sleep, Tush, Christ did call the thief upon the Cross"
• In Scene 11, "Confound these passions with a quiet sleep, Tush, Christ did call the thief upon the Cross", the quote encapsulates how Faustus is trying to suppress his inner turmoil with a sleep (from a psychological perspective, he uses denial as a defence mechanism to overcome his anxiety about his future)
• In Scene 11, "Confound these passions with a quiet sleep, Tush, Christ did call the thief upon the Cross", Faustus tries to comfort himself with thoughts of a thief crucified on the same day as Jesus Christ. Jesus forgave the Penitent Thief, so Faustus is trying to convince himself it isn't too late
• In Scene 11, "Confound these passions with a quiet sleep, Tush, Christ did call the thief upon the Cross", the use of archaic language such as "Tush" adds a poetic quality, creates a reflective tone
• In Scene 11, "Confound these passions with a quiet sleep, Tush, Christ did call the thief upon the Cross", the phrase "quiet sleep" suggests that Faustus wishes to escape from reality into an unconscious state where he can avoid facing up to his sins
• In Scene 11, "Confound these passions with a quiet sleep, Tush, Christ did call the thief upon the Cross", the juxtaposition of "passions" and "quiet sleep" highlights the contrast between inner turmoil and peace
• In Scene 11, "Confound these passions with a quiet sleep, Tush, Christ did call the thief upon the Cross", the phrase "Confound these passions" reflects Faustus' insatiable thirst for knowledge but this creates a conflict with his moral conscience, creating a psychological conflict
• In Scene 11, "Confound these passions with a quiet sleep, Tush, Christ did call the thief upon the Cross", the mention of Christ calling the thief on the Cross alludes to the possibility of redemption, even in the face of Faustus's sins and transgressions
• In Scene 11, "Confound these passions with a quiet sleep, Tush, Christ did call the thief upon the Cross", the reference to Christ and the Penitent thief on the Cross underscores Faustus's spiritual dilemma and the eternal consequences of his actions
• In Scene 11, "Confound these passions with a quiet sleep, Tush, Christ did call the thief upon the Cross", the quote encapsulates the duality of human nature, highlighting the tension between earthly desires and spiritual salvation.
• In Scene 11, "Confound these passions with a quiet sleep, Tush, Christ did call the thief upon the Cross", the use of symbolism of a cross alludes to the Crucifixion of Jesus, Jesus sacrificed himself for the World's sins whilst Faustus sacrificed his morals for knowledge (shows his arrogance to compare to a God)
• In Scene 11, "Confound these passions with a quiet sleep, Tush, Christ did call the thief upon the Cross", the use of symbolism of a cross alludes to the Crucifixion of Jesus, this suggests has an internal conflict of redemption & unquenchable thirst
• In Scene 11, "Confound these passions with a quiet sleep, Tush, Christ did call the thief upon the Cross", the use of symbolism of a cross alludes to the Crucifixion of Jesus which led to his resurrection, maybe Faustus wants to rejuvenate and reach religious enlightenment
• In Scene 11, "Confound these passions with a quiet sleep, Tush, Christ did call the thief upon the Cross", historically, crosses have been used as a tool of control, allowing for tyranny, oppression & confinement
• In Scene 11, "Confound these passions with a quiet sleep, Tush, Christ did call the thief upon the Cross", historically, during the the Medieval era, the Cross was emblazoned on the shields of European armies, whilst these were framed as religious expeditions, the Crusades were marked brutal consequences, and a symbol of colonialism and religious imperialism
• In Scene 11, "Confound these passions with a quiet sleep, Tush, Christ did call the thief upon the Cross", historically, the Cross was displayed during the Spanish Inquisition a campaign orchestrated by the Catholic monarchs to eradicate heresy and maintain religious orthodoxy where thousands were executed, highlights religious intolerance and state-sponsored violence (link to Faustus religious intolerance)
• In Scene 11, "Confound these passions with a quiet sleep, Tush, Christ did call the thief upon the Cross", the sharp alliterative sounds suggests a forceful nature, highlighting Faustus' want for salvation