Faustus LRJ 3

Justin Ernst
Ms. Peifer
English 10IB
2/19/12

Entry Number One

          Knowledge is skill that is acquired through experience and research. Knowledge can be used to give to others or gain further knowledge. The difference between this definition and the one Faustus sees is that Faustus sees knowledge as something you can instantly gain. He signs a deal with the devil and starts black magic because he thinks the devil can give him the knowledge he desires instantly. Knowledge is out there in the world, including the knowledge other people have to offer and make. The search for knowledge is fueled by a common human curiosity. Once we pass our basic survival needs, curiosity kicks in. Ethical questions arise in the form of controversy. Faustus has a inner controversy with himself because he knows the things he is doing are against the christian doctrine. This can be compared to the modern day issues of splitting the atom and genetic cloning because some people believe that they go to far in research and go against the laws of nature.

Faustus LRJ 2

Justin Ernst

Ms. Peifer

English 10IB 

2/19/12

Entry Number Five

         Faustus's encounter with the Seven Deadly Sins is important in the story because it shows his complete disregard towards all seven of the sins. "I am Gluttony. My parents are all dead, and the devil a penny they have left me.... Now Faustus, thou hast heard all my progeny, wilt thou bid me to supper? (Faustus) Not I (Gluttony) Then the devil choke thee! (Faustus) Choke thyself, glutton! What are thou, the sixth?"(2.2.153-154, 163-168) Faustus walks down the line of all seven sins and insults, disregards, and argues with every one of them. He takes life as a joke and figures he can always change things in the future with his unlimited power. Throughout the book, Faustus begins to realize that the Seven Deadly Sins are real things he has to worry about and the only way to escape them is repenting.

Faustus LRJ 1

Justin Ernst

Ms. Peifer

English 10IB

2/19/12

Entry Number Three

        The Chorus in Faustus gives the audience a background to the story. In the beginning of the story, the chorus gives Faustus's birth story and and hometown. "And speak for Faustus in his infancy. Now is he born of parents base of stock In Germany within a town called Rhode;"(1.1.10-13). In some of the first lines of the play, the Chorus gives a small backstory to the main character Faustus. This helps the reader or audience grasp what is going on in the play. 

         Also, the Chorus helps inform the reader of things that would be hard for the main character to talk about. One example of this is when the chorus announcing that Faustus has become a recognized as a wise man and the Emperor had summoned him. "As they admired and wondered at his wit. Now is his fame spread forth in everyland. Amongst the reset the Emperor is one,"(4.1.11-13). Faustus would have a hard time telling this so the Chorus steps in as a sort of narrator. 

         In modern day movies, the Chorus could be represented by a narrator or a soundtrack, something that connects the audience to the story being told. A narrator could tell the plot line as the story progresses. the soundtrack could bridge and emotional sections or prepare the audience for the tone of the next scene.