In lines 5-20, Faustus lists different types of things he will gain using magical power. How does the characterization of Faustus in these lines most clearly help to develop the theme of the play?
A.
Characterization: Because the list ranges from wealth to knowledge to political secrets, it suggests that Faustus is fascinated by power itself rather than a specific goal.
Theme Suggested by Characterization: The theme will concern the destructive attraction of power for its own sake.
B.
Characterization: Because the list ranges from wealth to knowledge to political secrets, it suggests that Faustus is fascinated by power itself rather than a specific goal.
Theme Suggested by Characterization: The theme will concern the corrupting effect of power on noble plans.
C.
Characterization: Because the list includes various hard-to-obtain items, it suggests that Faustus enjoys fantasizing about the future.
Theme Suggested by Characterization: The theme will concern the harm caused by idle dreaming.
D.
Characterization: Because the list includes various hard-to-obtain items, it suggests that Faustus enjoys fantasizing about the future.
Theme Suggested by Characterization: The theme will concern the damage caused by indecision.
5 I’ll have them fly to India for gold,
Ransack the ocean for orient pearl,
And search all corners of the new-found world
For pleasant fruits and princely delicates;
I’ll have them read me strange philosophy,
10 And tell the secrets of all foreign king;
I’ll have them wall all Germany with brass,
And make swift Rhine circle fair Wertenberg;
I’ll have them fill the public schools with silk,
15 Wherewith the students shall be bravely clad;
I’ll levy soldiers with the coin they bring,
And chase the Prince of Parma from our land,
And reign sole king of all the provinces;
Yea, stranger engines for the brunt of war,
Than was the fiery keel at Antwerp-bridge,
20 I’ll make my servile spirits to invent.
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