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shinedown's review
challenging
emotional
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
cinderellagirl's review
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
inkdeathinbloom's review
4.0
This is an easy read, not always typical of works late 16th-century works. It's funny, and a bit petty, and Marlowe is officially Not Subtle.
As an academic, I've used this as a means of introduction to STS (science/technology/society). The Faustian Bargain is an excellent lens which holds true into modern STS debates, so being able to go back into history a bit, tease out the original Not Subtle TM Faustian Bargain, with all of its Not Subtle commentary on religion (circa the Protestant Reformation and the Catholic Church), education and learning (circa the existential crisis of the main character upon graduating college, and, you know, that deal-with-the-devil), and some interesting bits thrown in on astronomy and other such topics at random, is a great way to set up a discourse around the topic.
That said, as a reader, Faustus made a terrible deal. Seriously? He should have asked for like, a thousand years of life, and done way more with his magic than just playing petty pranks. For having made a deal with the devil, Faustus really blew it.
As an academic, I've used this as a means of introduction to STS (science/technology/society). The Faustian Bargain is an excellent lens which holds true into modern STS debates, so being able to go back into history a bit, tease out the original Not Subtle TM Faustian Bargain, with all of its Not Subtle commentary on religion (circa the Protestant Reformation and the Catholic Church), education and learning (circa the existential crisis of the main character upon graduating college, and, you know, that deal-with-the-devil), and some interesting bits thrown in on astronomy and other such topics at random, is a great way to set up a discourse around the topic.
That said, as a reader, Faustus made a terrible deal. Seriously? He should have asked for like, a thousand years of life, and done way more with his magic than just playing petty pranks. For having made a deal with the devil, Faustus really blew it.
dazzle's review
3.0
I did not dislike this book but at the same time I didn't like it. I feel indifferent towards it.
I read this within an hour and a half, presumably how long the actual show would have gone on for, and I am glad that it did not take any longer. I always dislike reading plays as I feel that they are always better seen than read. This I felt strongly with about this play. If I had viewed it I would have had a more definitive opinion.
The characters were impossible to envisage for me and the plot quite hard to track. Had I not known a little about the play before entering it I may not have really understood at all.
Saying that the topic was interesting, the thought of choosing evil over good and the personal confusion and choices that Faustus had to go through widens your eyes a little to the choices you make.
I read this within an hour and a half, presumably how long the actual show would have gone on for, and I am glad that it did not take any longer. I always dislike reading plays as I feel that they are always better seen than read. This I felt strongly with about this play. If I had viewed it I would have had a more definitive opinion.
The characters were impossible to envisage for me and the plot quite hard to track. Had I not known a little about the play before entering it I may not have really understood at all.
Saying that the topic was interesting, the thought of choosing evil over good and the personal confusion and choices that Faustus had to go through widens your eyes a little to the choices you make.
pgchuis's review
4.0
This edition comes with an almost oppressive number of notes and commentaries and background pieces and questions to think about. A good read, but I imagine a stage production would be disturbing.
srm's review
4.0
I'm sort of collecting Faust stories at the moment (completely by accident), but this is one I was actively looking forward to, especially since I've never read any Marlowe. I definitely enjoyed it, and I'm sure I'll be reading more C.M.
(Note--I didn't read this specific edition. I read what's in the Norton Anthology, but I needed to claim some edition.)
(Note--I didn't read this specific edition. I read what's in the Norton Anthology, but I needed to claim some edition.)
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