The Bell Has Struck

Though revolutionary in its time, the play Dr. Faustus, by Marlowe, is actually a very simple-structured and plotted story. It opens with Dr. Faustus – the main character – brewing a potion through the powers of which he hopes to call up the aid, or servitude, of some devil. When these demons arrive, one is appointed as Faustus’ servant in exchange for the man’s soul. Now, the claiming of Faustus’ soul does not take place at once, but instead he is given some time to enjoy the power of his demon friend (who happens to have a very gentle, congenial personality). However, as the time wherein Faustus must give up his soul draws near, he begins to have second-thoughts.

Here in the play, the previously rapid and concise method of dialogue and action slows to an almost painful minute-by-minute, second-by-second drama wherein Faustus is fearfully looking forward to the moment when the devils of Hell shall come and take him away. He entreats his demon servant to free him, but to no avail. He wonders if God will forgive him, but entreats to no avail. He has gone past the point of no return and can only await his eventual and eternal doom. As the time draws nearer, Dr. Faustus begins counting moments so that, interspersed through his rapidly-rising-to-terror dialogue, he is reminding himself that, ah, that moment has flown never to be regained and, oh, the ticking of the clock strikes so painfully for, alas, that leads to the sounding of the bell. There! The bell has struck midnight and as its twelve tones sound through the electric stillness, Faustus begins to hope aloud: perhaps the demons will not come? Until . . .

The twelfth bell strikes, the devils appear, and Faustus is indeed dragged down to Hell.

This final scene, as unique from all previous as possible, builds a heart-stopping atmosphere where an attentive audience will feel the terror of Faustus, the striking of the bell like a knock of doom, and the horror as terrible demons appear onstage to carry Faustus away. It is this scene, in the entirety of Marlowe’s play, which makes his work so unique. From the philosophy Faustus muses aloud, to the aching suspense, to the frightening climax and finish, Marlowe masterfully executes one of history’s first-recorded works of horror-drama.