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Q: Which parts of this excerpt from Christopher Marlowes The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus bring out the theme of forbidden knowledge?
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Continue Learning about General History

What did the flags on Elizabethan playhouses mean?

There is an oft-repeated story that they used to fly different coloured flags at the Globe theatre (and, one presumes, at the other playhouses) to let potential audience members know what type of play was being shown. They were either Red, White or Black depending on if the play of the day was a History, Tragedy or a Comedy play. A white flag was for comedy or a light subject, black was for a dark subject usually associated with death and red was for a Play about History (usually associated with blood). That's a pretty story but unfortunately many plays do not fit comfortably into those three categories. Is Macbeth a tragedy or a history? What about Richard III? Is Troilus and Cressida a comedy or a tragedy? What about Cymbeline? Shakespeare himself laughs at the categorization by putting these words into the mouth of Polonius in Hamlet: "The best players in the world, for tragedy, comedy, history, pastoral, pastoral-comical, historical-pastoral, tragical-historical, tragical-comical-historical-pastoral . . ." So what colour flag would they fly for a tragical-comical-historical-pastoral play? There does not seem to be any genuine evidence for this practice and since it does not really make much sense, we should be dubious about it. On the other hand, contemporary pictures of the theatres do show them flying flags. Some people say that when the flag went up the mast, it meant that a play was going to be performed that day, without saying anything about what kind of play. This would certainly get the message over a large area that the playhouse was open for business. It would be a good way to advertise the show and it is more plausible than the coloured flags theory.


Why did Americans admire Major John Andre?

Because he was extremely polite and cordial and died with amazing dignity. An eyewitness account of the last day of Major Andre can be found in the book THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION From the Commencement to the Disbanding of the American Army Given in the Form of a Daily Journal, with the Exact Dates of all the Important Events; Also, a Biographical Sketch of the Most Prominent Generals. By James Thacher, M.D., Surgeon in the American Revolutionary Army "October 2d.-- Major Andre is no more among the living. I have just witnessed his exit. It was a tragical scene of the deepest interest. During his confinement and trial, he exhibited those proud and elevated sensibilities which designate greatness and dignity of mind. Not a murmur or a sigh ever escaped him, and the civilities and attentions bestowed on him were politely acknowledged. Having left a mother and two sisters in England, he was heard to mention them in terms of the tenderest affection, and in his letter to Sir Henry Clinton, he recommended them to his particular attention. The principal guard officer, who was constantly in the room with the prisoner, relates that when the hour of execution was announced to him in the morning, he received it without emotion, and while all present were affected with silent gloom, he retained a firm countenance, with calmness and composure of mind. Observing his servant enter the room in tears, he exclaimed, "Leave me till you can show yourself more manly!" His breakfast being sent to him from the table of General Washington, which had been done every day of his confinement, he partook of it as usual, and having shaved and dressed himself, he placed his hat upon the table, and cheerfully said to the guard officers, "I am ready at any moment, gentlemen, to wait on you." The fatal hour having arrived, a large detachment of troops was paraded, and an immense concourse of people assembled; almost all our general and field officers, excepting his excellency and staff, were present on horseback; melancholy and gloom pervaded all ranks, and the scene was affectingly awful. I was so near during the solemn march to the fatal spot, as to observe every movement, and participate in every emotion which the melancholy scene was calculated to produce. Major Andre walked from the stone house, in which he had been confined, between two of our subaltern officers, arm in arm; the eyes of the immense multitude were fixed on him, who, rising superior to the fears of death, appeared as if conscious of the dignified deportment which he displayed. He betrayed no want of fortitude, but retained a complacent smile on his countenance, and politely bowed to several gentlemen whom he knew, which was respectfully returned. It was his earnest desire to be shot, as being the mode of death most conformable to the feelings of a military man, and he had indulged the hope that his request would be granted. At the moment, therefore, when suddenly he came in view of the gallows, he involuntarily started backward, and made a pause. "Why this emotion, sir?" said an officer by his side. Instantly recovering his composure, he said, "I am reconciled to my death, but I detest the mode." While waiting and standing near the gallows, I observed some degree of trepidation; placing his foot on a stone, and rolling it over and choking in his throat, as if attempting to swallow. So soon, however, as he perceived that things were in readiness, he stepped quickly into the wagon, and at this moment he appeared to shrink, but instantly elevating his head with firmness he said, "It will be but a momentary pang," and taking from his pocket two white handkerchiefs, the provost-marshal, with one, loosely pinioned his arms, and with the other, the victim, after taking off his hat and stock, bandaged his own eyes with perfect firmness, which melted the hearts and moistened the cheeks, not only of his servant, but of the throng of spectators. The rope being appended to the gallows, he slipped the noose over his head and adjusted it to his neck, without the assistance of the awkward executioner. Colonel Scammel now informed him that he had an opportunity to speak, if he desired it; he raised the handkerchief from his eyes, and said, "I pray you to bear me witness that I meet my fate like a brave man." The wagon being now removed from under him, he was suspended, and instantly expired; it proved indeed "but a momentary pang." He was dressed in his royal regimentals and boots, and his remains, in the same dress, were placed in an ordinary coffin, and interred at the foot of the gallows; and the spot was consecrated by the tears of thousands ..."


Related questions

Which parts of Christopher Marlowe's The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus bring out the theme of forbidden knowledge?

The first lines of the Good Angel refer to this theme:O, Faustus, lay that damned book aside,And gaze not on it, lest it tempt thy soul,And heap God's heavy wrath upon thy head!Read, read the Scriptures:—that is blasphemy.


Which of these religious beliefs is most closely related to the plot of Christopher Marlowe's The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus?

Match the characters in Hamlet to their attributes.


What kind of play dr faustus is?

A tragedy is the type of play that Dr. Faustus is. The full title of the play is The Tragical History of the Life and Death of Doctor Faustus. It was written by Christopher Marlowe.


When did The Tragical Comedy or Comical Tragedy of Mr. Punch happen?

The Tragical Comedy or Comical Tragedy of Mr. Punch happened in 1994.


When was The Tragical Comedy or Comical Tragedy of Mr. Punch created?

The Tragical Comedy or Comical Tragedy of Mr. Punch was created in 1994.


How many pages does The Tragical Comedy or Comical Tragedy of Mr. Punch have?

The Tragical Comedy or Comical Tragedy of Mr. Punch has 96 pages.


What kind of anime is air tv?

tragical


What are some tragical events?

The fire of London


How do you think Philadelphians who attended the tragical exhibition felt about the king's execution?

i think the philadelphians who attended the "tragical exhibition" felt disappointed.because there was not a single paragraph in the papers to shame them from it.


What are the release dates for The Tragical Tale of a Belated Letter - 1903?

The Tragical Tale of a Belated Letter - 1903 was released on: UK: August 1903 USA: 21 November 1903


What is T M C?

T= Tragical M= MarvelousC= Cat


What are the release dates for Archer - 2009 Tragical History 2-6?

Archer - 2009 Tragical History 2-6 was released on: USA: 3 March 2011 Hungary: 29 October 2013