Week 2 - Assignment: Book Burning and the Evil of Books

WEsternCiv Week 2 assignment

Week 2 - Assignment: Book Burning and the Evil of Books

( Due: Sun, 13 Jul | Status: Not Completed )

Submit your file to the drop-box below by Sunday, Week 2, midnight (MT).

In a 1-2 page paper, discuss the play The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus by Christopher Marlowe frequently references book burning and/or the evil of books. For example, in Act II, scene 2, ENVY claims that, because he cannot read, he would “wish all books burned” (122); Faustus, in a late fit of repentance, exclaims, “O, would I had never seen Wittenberg, never read book!” (Act V, scene 2, 43-44).

Does the play offer a final, cohesive argument either for or against learning, or is Marlowe simply raising questions? Explain with evidence from the text.