Dr. Faustus

A tragedy by the English poet and playwright Marlowe. Written between 1588 and 1592. The date of the first publication is unknown. Of the two extant editions (1604 and 1616), the 1616 edition, which has more comical and satirical elements, is thought to be closer to the original. The story is a dramatization of the Faust legend, in which Faustus, who is not satisfied despite being well versed in the science of the encyclopedia, uses magic to summon Mephistopheles, who indulges in his desires for 24 years on the condition that he sells his soul to him. The scene in which he has a vision of Helen and the final scene in which he is driven to hell are particularly impressive, as they offer a glimpse into the glory and misery of Renaissance men.

[Yasuo Tamaizumi]

"Masaho Hirai's translation of "Doctor Faustus" (included in "Elizabethan Drama Collection", 1974, Chikuma Shobo)"

Source: Shogakukan Encyclopedia Nipponica About Encyclopedia Nipponica Information | Legend

イギリスの詩人・劇作家マーローの悲劇。1588～1592年作。初版刊行時期は不明。現存する二つの版（1604、1616）では、笑劇的、風刺的要素の濃い1616年版が原作に近いと考えられる。物語は、百科の学問に精通しても心満たされぬフォースタスが魔法でメフィストフェレスを呼び出し、魂を売り渡すという条件で24年間欲望の限りを尽くすという、いわゆるファウスト伝説の劇化。とくにヘレンの幻をみる場面と堕地獄に追い詰められる幕切れに、ルネサンス人の栄光と悲惨をのぞかせて圧巻である。

［玉泉八州男］

『平井正穂訳『フォースタス博士』（『エリザベス朝演劇集』所収・1974・筑摩書房）』

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