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.


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

exploitation of nature

the satisfaction of desire

personal sacrifice

conflict between duty and desire