Renaissance Literature Assignment

Rosicrucianism in Dr Faustus- Christopher Marlowe

Abstract: Magic and the knowledge of the spiritual realm is something most of us are usually curious about. It is a fact that throughout history there have been people and schools possessing such knowledge are considered to have existed, without any kind of strong proof of that. This obscurity and secretiveness makes people curious to know whether such people and schools actually existed and whether they really possessed such knowledge. The thirst for knowledge, especially necromancy is one of the major themes of Dr Faustus by Christopher Marlowe. Interestingly enough, one such secret society was considered to have been existed during Marlowe’s lifetime, namely Rosicrucianism. Hence it is necessary to find out whether there are any associations or influences of Rosicrucianism found in one of his best known works or not and also if we read Dr Faustus as a Rosicrucian text what results would it give us.

What is Rosicrucianism?

          

 “Rosicrucianism is a spiritual and cultural movement which arose in Europe in the early 17th century after the publication of several texts.” (wikipedia). However, the secret society’s actual origin has several stories woven around it. Three manifestos, on which the order is supposed to be based, were published in Germany between 1607 and 1616, wherein the popular belief of the order’s origins is narrated. “The manifestos, Fama Fraternitatis RC (The Fame of the Brotherhood of RC) [1640], The Confessio Fraternitatis RC (The Confession of the Brotherhood of RC) [1615] and the Chymische Hochzeit Christiani Rosencreutz (The Chymical Wedding of Christian Rosencreutz) [1616], presented the legend of a German doctor and mystic philosopher, referred to initially as Frater CRC and later identified as Christian Rosenkreutz (or Rosenkreuz), a name meaning “Roses Cross”. “Rosenkreutz was alleged to have lived from 1378 to 1484, learned alchemy and esoteric wisdom in the Middle East under various masters and, on returning to Germany, founded a secret order known as the Fraternity of the Rose Cross.”  (Mastin).  “He erected a sanctuary (1409), where he was entombed after his death in 1484. The alleged discovery of the tomb 120 years later became the occasion for the public announcement of the order’s existence.” (Melton)

“It did not take long before people began wondering if this new secret society posed a threat to Christianity and the Church.” (Lloyd). The reason for people to get threatened was the fact that religion in those times had a strong hold on the lives of people. So much so that Biblical narratives were considered as the ultimate source of knowledge. Under such conditions the existence of a secret order possessing knowledge which would reform mankind would obviously appear threatening. However, several incidents of scholars and researchers questioning the prevalent bigotry of the religious authorities were noted. And therefore, “controversies have arisen on whether they were a hoax, whether the "Order of the Rosy Cross" existed as described in the manifestos, or whether the whole thing was a metaphor disguising a movement that really existed, but in a different form.”(wikipedia).

 “Rosicrucian teachings are a combination of occultism and other religious beliefs and practices, including Hermeticism, Jewish mysticism, and Christian Gnosticism. The central feature of Rosicrucianism is the belief that its members possess secret wisdom that was handed down to them from ancient times.”(Melton). “Rosicrucianism was attractive to many thinkers throughout Europe, possibly including the English philosopher and scientist Francis Bacon. It declined dramatically in the 18th century, however, a victim of the skepticism and rationalism of the Enlightenment, though some Rosicrucian ideas survived in speculative Freemasonry.” (Melton)

Christopher Marlowe (The Mysterious Playwright):

Born in 1564, Christopher Marlowe’s literary career lasted less than six years. Critics say that if he had lived longer he would have become a greater playwright than Shakespeare. One of the University Wits, Marlowe earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1584 from Corpus Christi College, Cambridge. However in 1587, the university hesitated to grant him the master’s degree because of its doubts regarding Marlowe’s “frequent absences and its speculation that he had converted to Roman Catholicism and would soon attend college elsewhere!” (Editors) However, these doubts were settled by the Privy Council, stating that Marlowe was now working ‘on the matters concerning the benefit of his country’. “The nature of Marlowe's service to England was not specified by the council, but the letter sent to Cambridge has provoked abundant speculation, notably the theory that Marlowe had become a secret agent working for Sir Francis Walsingham's intelligence service. No direct evidence supports this theory, but the council's letter clearly suggests that Marlowe was serving the government in some secret capacity. Surviving Cambridge records from the period show that Marlowe had several lengthy absences from the university, much longer than allowed by the school's regulations. And extant dining room accounts indicate that he spent lavishly on food and drink while there, greater amounts than he could have afforded on his known scholarship income. Both of these could point to a secondary source of income, such as secret government work. But with scant hard evidence and rampant speculation, the mystery surrounding Marlowe's service to the queen is likely to remain active.” (Editors) Even after becoming a playwright, Marlowe’s character remained questionable because of accusations of him being an Atheist. “Marlowe won a dangerous reputation for “atheism,” but this could, in Elizabeth I’s time, indicate merely unorthodox religious opinions.” (Leech)

 “On May 30, however, Marlowe was killed by Ingram Frizer. Frizer was with Nicholas Skeres and Robert Poley, and all three men were tied to one or other of the Walsinghams--either Sir Francis Walsingham (the man who evidently recruited Marlowe himself into secret service on behalf of the queen) or a relative also in the spy business. Allegedly, after spending the day together with Marlowe in a lodging house, a fight broke out between Marlowe and Frizer over the bill, and Marlowe was stabbed in the forehead and killed. Conspiracy theories have abounded since, with Marlowe's atheism and alleged spy activities at the heart of the murder plots, but the real reason for Marlowe's death is still debated.” (Editors)

Dr Faustus (Atheism at its best):

Marlowe’s alleged atheism is reflected in this particular work. Dr Faustus is known till date for its sarcastic attacks on religious hypocrisy of his time. The following lines from the play would suffice to justify this statement:

“The reward of sin is death? That’s hard.
Si peccasse negamus, fallimur, et nulla est in nobis veritas.
If we say that we have no sin,
we deceive ourselves, and there’s no truth in us.
Why then be like we must sin,
and so consequently die.
Ay, we must die an everlasting death.
What doctrine call you this? Che sarà, sarà:
What will be, shall be! Divinity, adieu!
These metaphysics of magicians,
and necromantic books are heavenly.”

“In his opening soliloquy in Act I scene 1, for example, he turns his attention to Biblical theology, and writes it off as meaningless and fatalistic before turning to his magic books with great excitement and hope.” (Accessteacher) Some might say that this statement by Faustus, is not one of religious commentary but is a reflection of Faustus’ self pride of being so knowledgeable. Whatever the case, what Marlowe may have wanted to infer is that a rational would never adhere to religious teachings and preachings, since its basic characteristic is to argue and question every statement or saying with reason. Another important point to remember while discussing the role of religion and theology in Dr Faustus is the socio-religious conflicts prevalent during the time of the play’s writing. The constant ideological fights between Catholics and Protestants, might have caught the attention of the playwright who himself worked for the government. “Anti-Catholic literature was hugely popular in Elizabethan times. The unnecessary pomp and ceremony of Catholic institutions was satirized, like in Act 3 Scene 1 when Faustus mock the Pope as was wider corruption within the Catholic Church. The power struggles within the Church and the Catholic nations, specifically the Holy Roman Empire, were a central force for European politics” (Jacques) Faustus is considered as Marlowe’s mouthpiece. He is looking for something more substantial than the usual academically religious texts and their preaching. This is why he laughs after reading one of the Latin phrases from Jerome’s Bible. Faustus’ character as someone trying to pursue something different than the traditional way of things is what brings him closer to Marlowe’s own personality and experiences. “Abandoning God and turning to the path of sin would be seen as a shocking and unforgivable crime, as would experimenting with black magic and forbidden knowledge.” (Jacques)

Dr Faustus (Marlowe’s Rosicrucian text):

Atheism is far different from Rosicrucianism. And yet, if we can consider Faustus’s constant resentment of Catholic beliefs and traditions, we might be able to find in his actions, a hint of Rosicrucian ideas. As mentioned earlier, the Rosicrucian manifestos talk about a doctor Rosenkreutz who after learning various esoteric ideas from Middle East established the secret society for reforming the world. Apart from the obvious similarity of the protagonist’s profession, Faustus’ ambitions after gaining the knowledge of necromancy, such as reforming Germany, was also something which Rosenkreutz set out to do. Some might object to this observation saying that Faustus’ motives were selfish whereas the ones of Rosenkreutz were more of service. That can be true as well. But, whatever the motive, their aim was the same, i.e. reformation. Another observation is that of Faustus’s name which means auspicious or lucky. A name used by early Christian saints. The play might be considered a satire on this as well. Anyways when Marlowe was arrested under accusations of being an atheist, one of the testimonies was Thomas Kyd, Marlowe’s one time room partner, who mentioned that a lot many books and papers saying that there was no God were lying on Marlowe’s desk! What these texts were, no one knows. The fact that remains is, Marlowe’s life and death, as well as the existence of Rosicrucianism, are equally enigmatic. But, the latter’s influence is quite evident.

Bibliography

Accessteacher. What are some atheistic quotes from Dr faustus? 9 January 2013. web. 26 October 2018. <https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/what-some-atheist-quotes-from-doctor-faustus-334756>.

Editors, Biography.com. Christopher Marlowe Biography. 27 April 2017. web. 25 October 2018. <https://www.biography.com/people/christopher-marlowe-9399572>.

Jacques, Adam. Religion in Doctor Faustus. 23 March 2011. web. 27 October 2018. <https://prezi.com/_y_medg543ln/religion-in-doctor-faustus/>.

Leech, Clifford. Christopher Marlowe English writer. n.d. web. 25 October 2018. <https://www.britannica.com/biography/Christopher-Marlowe#accordion-article-history>.

Lloyd, Ellen. Rosicrucians: Facts And History About The Mysterious Secret Society. 20 October 2016. web. 24 October 2018. <http://www.ancientpages.com/2016/10/20/rosicrucians-facts-and-history-about-the-mysterious-secret-society/>.

Mastin, Luke. Related Beliefs- Rosicrucianism. 2009. web. 24 October 2018. <http://www.witchcraftandwitches.com/related_rosicrucianism.html>.

Melton, J Gordon. Rosicrucian. n.d. web. 25 October 2018. <https://www.britannica.com/topic/Rosicrucians>.

wikipedia. Rosicrucianism. 4 September 2018. web. 24 October 2018. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosicrucianism>.

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