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Angels and Demons: The Effect of Dr. John Dee's Research on Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus

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Date Issued:
2015
Summary:
Dr. John Dee, 16th century advisor to Queen Elizabeth, conducted a series of mystical sessions to converse with angelic spirits in the early 1580s, asking a variety of questions ranging from hidden treasures to the organization of the cosmos. At a glance the experiments appear focused solely on the field of magic, separated from organized scientific research or religious belief. I argue that Dee’s research within this period does not separate the three from one another, but instead serves as a meeting point where magic, science, and religion overlap one another. They are not separate discourses, but instead constantly mingling as practitioners like Dee pursue knowledge. Christopher Marlowe, a playwright of the 16th century, mirrors Dee’s research in his play Doctor Faustus, ultimately condemning the pursuits of magic as fruitless and useful only for one’s damnation.
Title: Angels and Demons: The Effect of Dr. John Dee's Research on Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus.
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Name(s): Clark, Taylor N.
Harrawood, Michael
Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College
Type of Resource: text
Genre: Thesis
Date Created: 2015
Date Issued: 2015
Publisher: Florida Atlantic University
Place of Publication: Boca Raton, Florida
Physical Form: pdf
Extent: 43 p
Language(s): English
Summary: Dr. John Dee, 16th century advisor to Queen Elizabeth, conducted a series of mystical sessions to converse with angelic spirits in the early 1580s, asking a variety of questions ranging from hidden treasures to the organization of the cosmos. At a glance the experiments appear focused solely on the field of magic, separated from organized scientific research or religious belief. I argue that Dee’s research within this period does not separate the three from one another, but instead serves as a meeting point where magic, science, and religion overlap one another. They are not separate discourses, but instead constantly mingling as practitioners like Dee pursue knowledge. Christopher Marlowe, a playwright of the 16th century, mirrors Dee’s research in his play Doctor Faustus, ultimately condemning the pursuits of magic as fruitless and useful only for one’s damnation.
Identifier: FA00003640 (IID)
Note(s): Includes bibliography.
Thesis (B.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, 2016.
Held by: Florida Atlantic University Libraries
Sublocation: Digital Library
Persistent Link to This Record: http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00003640
Use and Reproduction: Copyright © is held by the author, with permission granted to Florida Atlantic University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
Host Institution: FAU

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