Analyzing Dr. Faustus' Character in Christopher Marlowe's "Doctor Faustus" Through the Lens of Brown and Levinson's Politeness Theory

Abstract

This paper examines Dr. Faustus in Christopher Marlowe's "Doctor Faustus" through Brown and Levinson's politeness theory, focusing on how his use of politeness strategies reflects his personality, social interactions, and eventual downfall. Utilizing a qualitative methodology, the study analyzes Faustus's dialogues, highlighting the complexity of his character and shifting social dynamics. The findings reveal Faustus's frequent switches between politeness strategies, correlating with his internal conflicts and evolving relationships. This research offers a novel perspective on Marlowe's character, contributing to the broader understanding of politeness theory in literary analysis and emphasizing the role of linguistic strategies in character development.