To what extent has Marlowe employed the principles of variation and contrast to sustain the attention of an audience throughout The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus and to what effect?

Variation and contrast are vital aspects of Christopher Marlowe's play The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus used to sustain the attention of his audience. Marlowe employs these methods to a great extent in his play producing a variety of effects. Not only do these techniques increase and maintain interest in the audience, they are also used to increase suspense, highlight key themes, prominent issues and didacticism, develop characters and the plot. <Tab/&…

…many grand ambitions but with the attainment of great power he degenerates from a respected doctor to a petty sorcerer. This variation aids in preserving the audience's attention. <Tab/>Faustus' decline helps illustrate the contrast between morality and divinity in the drama, as well as the contrast between the abstract functions of good and evil. These contrasts contribute to maintaining the audience's attention by questioning their moral judgments concerning these areas.