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Faustus Quote by Christopher Marlowe

“Wagner Doctor Faustus' student and servant: "Alas, poor slave! See how poverty jests in his nakedness. I know the villain's out of service, and so hungry that I know he would give his soul to the devil for a shoulder of mutton, though it were blood raw." Robin a clown: "Not so, neither! I had need…” quote by Christopher Marlowe
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““Wagner Doctor Faustus' student and servant: "Alas, poor slave! See how poverty jests in his nakedness. I know the villain's out of service, and so hungry that I know he would give his soul to the devil for a shoulder of mutton, though it were blood raw." Robin a clown: "Not so, neither! I had need to have it well roasted, and good sauce to it, if I pay so dear, I can tell you.””

Christopher Marlowe

About This Quote

Source Play: Doctor Faustus, 1592

Desperate poverty drives people to extreme bargains, even with evil.

In simple terms: Poverty makes people bargain with the devil.

Key Takeaway

Address poverty before desperation.

Themes

poverty desperation morality survival

Mood

cautionary dramatic

Type

ethical literary

When to use this quote

  • courtroom
  • historical poverty
  • personal crisis
  • social policy

Key Concepts

economic inequality human nature ethical dilemmas

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does extreme need alter moral choices?
  • Can society prevent such desperate bargains?
A Different Perspective

Not all bargains are literal; metaphorical.

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