The play begins with the Chorus informing the audience about the main character, Faustus, a scholar, like Icarus, “[whose] waxen wings did mount above his reach” (Prologue, 21). In the very first scene of the play, Faustus talks about philosophy, medicine, law, and theology and is hesitant about all. Lastly he chooses to study magic. He rejects theology. He is “glutted more with conceit” (Scene I, 18) and he prefers black magic to what he preferred before; he asserts: “. . . Divinity, adieu!” (Scene I, 48), that is, he rejects to be in heaven and reunite with God.

The Good and the Evil Angel that appear in several parts of the play are both real and symbolic; they represent Faustus’ inner conflict. They appear in the most dramatic scenes where Faustus is in conflict. They appear offering advice as Faustus is preparing to sign in blood a contract so as to give his soul to Lucifer. They also appear at the time Faustus is talking to Mephistopheles about repenting. Here, while Good Angel urges Faustus to repent and wish God’s mercy, Evil Angel tells him not to repent. Finally he agrees with Evil Angel.

GOOD ANGEL. O Faustus, lay that damned book aside,

And gaze not on it, lest it tempt thy soul,

And heap God’s heavy wrath upon thy head:

Read, read the Scriptures; that is blasphemy.

EVIL ANGEL. Go forward, Faustus, in that famous art,

Wherein all nature’s treasury is contained:

Be thou on earth as Jove is in the sky,

Lord and commander of these elements.

[Exeunt] (Scene I, 70-77)

GOOD ANGEL. Sweet Faustus, leave that execrable art.

FAUSTUS. Contrition, prayer, repentance: what of them?

GOOD ANGEL. O they are means to bring thee unto heaven.

EVIL ANGEL. Rather illusions, fruits of lunacy,

That makes men foolish that do trust them most.

(Scene V, 15-19)

The angels do appear at the same time in the play; and th