Doctor Faustus

The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus to give it its full title by Christopher Marlowe was first published in 1604 at least twelve years after its first performance although the basic story of the play is much older Having decided he has accumulated all he can of conventional knowledge Doctor Faustus turns to magic in a quest for greater truths Before long he ends up selling his soul to the devil the famous Faustian pact that has entered everyday language Dr Faustus gradually realizes his terrible mistake He apparently repents but finally dies the devil coming to collect his soul and his friends the dismembered body