HALF WAY THROUGH: Dr Faustus

It becomes apparent that Dr Faustus is a christian play. There are quite a few symbols which become apparent early on in the book, for example; blood, when Faustus signs away his soul, he signs in blood, symbolising power and permanancy of the pact he made with the devil. There are many contrasts in the play which can be used as symbols too, Angels appear with Faustus early on in the play,the good angel urging him to repent and serve God, the evil angel pushing him to follow his Lust for power to serve Lucifer. Symbolising his divided will, the part of which he means good, but the other side that represtents a theme of the play; Sin.

HALF WAY THROUGH: Frankenstein

Whilst reading Frankenstein i have found that the book is a lot more detailed than the film. Through reading the book it is easier to pick up on the themes and symbols. For example light is used to represent an opportunity, discovery and knowledge. Fire is used to symbolise danger and foreshadows misfortunes, this is supported by the example of Elizabeth setting herself on fire, things do not get better from that point, only worse.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: The Bloody Chamber

I know from what we have been told in class, that this book will be another gothic, and from the title 'bloody' symboling danger, also foreshadowing danger and death this also hints at what the book as in store. The front cover is black, which is dark and bold, the picture on the front is red which again symbols blood and fear,two colours together are contrasting and eye catching drawing our attention to the bold font 'THE BLOODY CHAMBER'. The 'chamber' makes me think of being trapped in a dungeon and so my first impression of the book is that it is gothic or horrific.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Frankenstein

Although I have watched the film Frankenstein, I am still not sure of what to expect. I think it will just be longer and a more detailed version of the film. The black front cover hints at it being gothic.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Dr Faustus

The front cover is like an optical illusion which makes it seem interesting to read or know what it is about, I assume like the others it will be gothic, however, this isn't as apparent as the others immediately were! It seems short and it is a play. The mini biography about Dr Faustus himself gives you a idea about the play.

BIOGRAPHY: Christopher Marlowe's

Born: February 1564

Christened: 26th February 1564

Died: 30th May 1593, aged 29.

Father: John Marlowe (Shoemaker in Canterbury)

Mother: Catherine Arthur

Sir Christopher Marlowe was baptised at the Church of St George the Martyr on 26 Feb 1564, came from a family, he was one of nine children of John Marlowe from Ospringe, known to be a quarrelsome cobbler working as a shoemaker, and actor mothered by Catherine Arthur from Dover. Of Marlowe personally little is known, however, rumours suggest he was a

fiery homosexual; atheist; murdered during a pub brawl at Deptford taking a dagger to the head; Marlowe was recognised as influencial to Sir William Shakespeare.

On 14th February 1578 he attended Kings school for two years. At seveneteed he entered Corpus Chrisiti College, leading to his eventual BA in 1854 then admitted for an MA in 1854.

Marlowe fought in wars in the Low country after graduation.

Marlowe performed his first play, Tamburlaine in 1857, London. He continued to write and perform plays.

Appartently, Marlowe was the kibd of man that could not help maing enemies, said to have lived dangerously, these two combined could explain his early death, aged 29.

Marlowes plays:

The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus

Tamburlaine

The Jew of Malta

Edward II

Dido

Queen of Carthage