Discussion - Week One - Faustus (Mamet) - Act One

[Jim]

This discussion covers Act One


Mamet adopts what might best be called a faux-Marlowe English – kind of Elizabethan, but still contemporary. Do you find this entertaining or annoying?

At this point, we can assign the role of Mephistopheles to “The Magus”. When he reveals that he overheard the Friend muttering Faustus’ formula as the secret to his trick, did you believe him?

[Ellen]

Annoying. Although I got used to it. It did fit the pomposity and self-adulation of Faust.

[Whitney]

Annoying at first, but I really started to enjoy the language and the word play by the second half. Had it been some unknown playwright, I might have dismissed it as pretentious garbage after a few pages.

I never considered that The Magus wasn't using the standard methods of legerdemain, even if he does supernatural powers. Why do you think it's important how he came by his knowledge? Do you think he may have come forearmed in order to trick Faust?