A Historicist Approach to Doctor FaustusA young man studies theology all his life and in turn receives his doctrine in this field. One lonely and desperate night, he decides to ignore God and satisfy his deepest desires. Then, he summons a servant of Lucifer and agrees to sell his soul only if he can receive whatever or whoever he desires. This is the story of Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe. Doctor Faustus is a doctor of theology who wants no limits on what he can know, see, or do, so he sells his soul to the devil to satisfy these desires. When reading or viewing Marlowe's fascinating work, the reader or viewer should apply the "New Historicist Approach" and take into consideration the beliefs, habits of thought and prejudices of Marlowe and the society of the 1590s about the various concepts on how to obtain "forbidden knowledge". Like the people of the 1590s, Doctor Faustus seeks "forbidden knowledge", begins to deny God during his search for greater knowledge, and achieves nothing from his vain pursuits throughout his life. After these listed characteristics are established, one can begin to visualize the relationship between Marlowe, Doctor Faustus, and the beliefs and thoughts of the people of the 1590s. Christopher Marlowe uses his enthusiastic character, Doctor Faustus, to show the deep longing of the people of the 1590s. to grasp the "forbidden knowledge". A doctor of theology, who inconveniently knows all about his religious studies, begins to investigate the improvement of his knowledge: "The necromantic books are celestial; lines, circles, letters, characters: yes, these are those which Faustus desires most " ( Act I: Scene I: Lines 48-5...... middle of paper ......whether or not they should have published or talked about their discoveries arouses in their minds, just as Faustus regrets his actions so the people of the 1590s regret the impression their discoveries had on others of their time In summary, Christopher Marlowe's conceptions of the people of the 1590s through Doctor Faustus are clearly established when using the. he historicist approach such as Charles Darwin and Galileo, can be related to Doctor Faustus and considered a Faust figure because in many respects their characteristics are similar, it can very well be observed that the people of 1590, just like Doctor Faustus, conducted different research of the "forbidden". knowledge" that lead to the unimaginable. Precisely these attempts to obtain the unattainable caused their loss of faith in God and obtaining fewer benefits.