The celebration of all things spooky has just passed and for many it is seen as ‘a bit of harmless fun’. Certainly the shops have enjoyed their vastly increased profits as people dip into their bank balances for ever more grotesque rubber masks and spangly witches outfits!
But there are those who take it very seriously – either in opposition to the dark arts or in support of them. For the latter, there is the allure of hidden power over others, whilst those against are alarmed by the influence of the occult and the manipulation that it implies.
An enduring tale
Through the centuries the myth of ultimate power gained by a bargain with the devil has worked powerfully on the human imagination. The most spectacular account in English Literature is that penned by Christopher Marlowe, a contemporary of Shakespeare.
Dr Faustus is appearing on a number of A level English exam syllabuses this year. It is a potent story of the ascendancy of a young student’s search for ultimate knowledge, which ends in horror. The opportunity to see this drama on stage makes the tale even more dynamic.
See it now!
Marlowe’s text was written for a public convinced of the reality of angels and demons, reflecting the contemporary Christian worldview. To help students get to grips with the play, and explain all the allusions, www.crossref-it.info is preparing a guide on it which will appear next term.
However, there is the chance to see a powerful and very accessible version this November and (probably) again in 2010. Visit www.saltminetrust.org.uk for details.
Your view of Halloween will never be the same again ...
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