Comic Relief & Subplots in Doctor Faustus
Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus is a tragic play filled with philosophical and moral dilemmas, but it also contains moments of comic relief. These humorous scenes, especially those involving Wagner, the Clown, Robin, and Rafe, serve multiple purposes. They provide entertainment, highlight Faustus’s own foolishness, and reinforce the play’s central themes. This article explores the role of comic relief, focusing on Wagner’s character, the clown scenes, and the function of humor in tragedy.
Wagner’s Role: A Comic Reflection of Faustus
Wagner, Faustus’s servant, plays an essential part in the comic subplot. He mimics his master, attempting to use scholarly language and necromantic power in a ridiculous way. This creates humor while also highlighting the absurdity of Faustus’s own ambitions.
For example, Wagner tries to persuade a clown to serve him by offering “French crowns”, but the clown misunderstands, thinking he is referring to illness (syphilis) rather than money:
“Alas, poor soul! He speaks but for his own mouth. But if you let me serve you, let me earn something.” (Act 1, Scene 4)
This exchange mocks the misuse of language, mirroring how Faustus uses grand rhetoric to justify his foolish choices. Wagner’s attempts at learning magic in a superficial way also parallel Faustus’s misuse of knowledge, emphasizing the tragic irony in the main plot.
The Clown Scenes: Mocking Faustus’s Desires
The Clown, along with Robin and Rafe, contributes significantly to the comic relief in the play. Their foolish use of magic mirrors Faustus’s misguided ambitions but in a humorous way. In one scene, Robin and Rafe steal one of Faustus’s conjuring books, hoping to perform magic. However, their spells are ineffective, and they accidentally summon Mephistopheles, who appears angrily and threatens them:
“Villains, call me Master Mephistopheles!” (Act 3, Scene 2)
This scene is both comedic and ironic. While Faustus believes he can control Mephistopheles, these commoners summon him by accident, suggesting that Faustus’s achievements are not as grand as he believes. This reflects the idea that magic, in the end, brings more chaos than power.
Purpose of Humor in Tragedy
1. Relief from Tension
Doctor Faustus deals with serious themes of sin, damnation, and the limits of human knowledge. Without moments of comic relief, the play could become overwhelmingly dark. The clown scenes and Wagner’s dialogues offer audiences a break from the intensity of Faustus’s downfall.
2. A Satirical Mirror of Faustus
The comic characters serve as exaggerated reflections of Faustus. Just as Robin and Rafe misuse magic for trivial tricks, Faustus also wastes his power on petty desires, such as summoning grapes for a pregnant duchess. These parallels emphasize Faustus’s failure to achieve true greatness.
3. Undermining the Illusion of Power
While Faustus believes he has mastered the supernatural, the comic subplots suggest that magic is ultimately foolish and deceptive. Even Wagner’s attempt at commanding spirits is more comical than powerful, showing that even commoners can imitate Faustus’s actions. This diminishes the grandeur of Faustus’s supposed achievements.
4. Reinforcing the Moral Message
The humor also serves a didactic purpose. By presenting lower-class characters who foolishly attempt magic, the play reminds the audience that knowledge without wisdom leads to disaster. The comic subplots function as miniature warnings, echoing the larger tragedy of Faustus’s fate.
Conclusion: Laughter Amidst Tragedy
While Doctor Faustus is ultimately a tragic play, its comic relief adds depth and complexity. Through Wagner’s mockery of learned speech, the clown’s misunderstandings, and Robin’s misuse of magic, Marlowe uses humor to reinforce the play’s themes. These comic moments contrast with Faustus’s own downfall, making his tragedy even more poignant. Ultimately, the play suggests that power gained through unnatural means is fleeting, and those who abuse knowledge—whether seriously or comically—will suffer the consequences.
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