Question

Which underlying theme is evident in this passage from a play?

Answer 1

The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus
by Christopher Marlowe (excerpt)

FAUSTUS: One thing, good servant, let me crave of thee,
To glut the longing of my heart's desire,—
That I might have unto my paramour
That heavenly Helen which I saw of late,
Whose sweet embracings may extinguish clean
Those thoughts that do dissuade me from my vow,
And keep mine oath I made to Lucifer.

MEPHISTOPHELES: Faustus, this, or what else thou shalt desire,
Shall be perform'd in twinkling of an eye.

Answer 2

Faustus is asking for Mephistopheles to make the woman he had seen around and had been dreaming about to be his. He wants to have an affair with her even though he is married, and Mephistopheles can make this happen because he is a demonic servant to Faustus after he had made some sort of vow to Lucifer (the devil). This can suggest some sort of foreboding theme, especially because of who he compares this woman to: Helen. In Greek Mythology Helen was the daughter of Zeus, and was considered to be the most beautiful woman alive. In a fight over the golden apple that would belong to the fairest goddess, Aphrodite offered Helen over to the prince that it was given to. Because Helen was married to the king of Sparta, they waged war on troy and thus the Trojan War ensued. This could end up being a similar situation with Faustus because of his deal with the devil, ordering around a demon, and collecting beautiful women on whims usually doesn't end well for people. But if that reasoning and possible theme isn't one of your choices, then let me know and I can help you revise it.