Faustus

These six things the Lord hates, indeed, seven are an abomination to Him: A proud look [the spirit that makes one overestimate himself and underestimate others], a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that manufactures wicked thoughts and plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, A false witness who breathes out lies [even under oath], and he who sows discord among his brethren (Proverbs 6:16-19Amplified Bible). Pride, covetousness, wrath, envy, gluttony, sloth, and lechery (lust) are the Seven Deadly Sins which the Bible proscribes in Proverbs 6:16-19(Amplified Bible). In Marlow’s Doctor Faustus the Seven Deadly Sins are reflected in several scenes.
Pride is associated with the need to be more important or appealing than others, failing to show awareness of the good work of others, and excessive love of self (especially holding self out of right standing with God). Faustus exhibited this behavior when he states, “ Settle thy studies, Faustus, and begin to sound the depth of that thou wilt profess: having commenced, be a divine in show, yet level at end of every art, and live and die in Aristotle’s works. Sweet Analytics, ‘tis thou hast ravished me: Bene disserere est finis logices. Is to dispute well logic’s chiefest end? Affords this art thou no greater miracle? Then read no more, thou hast attained the end; a greater subject fitteth Faustus’ wit” (Marlow 1. 1-10). Faustus thinks he is smarter than everyone else because he is very learned in all of the different sciences. Faustus also exudes pride when he says, “O soul, be changed into little water drops, and fall into the ocean, ne’er be found. My God, my God look not so fierce on me!” (13. 108-110).   He still wants to become what he is not. Faustus’ prideful ways are more unashamed when he asks God to be more lenient on him. Faustus is so self-righteous the he cannot see the mistakes he has made.