Doctor Faustus | Short Essay Assignments

Short Essay Questions

The 60 short essay questions listed in this section require a one to two sentence answer. They ask students to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the text. Students must describe what they've read, rather than just recall it.

Short Essay Question - Prologue

1. What is Faustus's background?

2. What is the meaning behind the allusion of "waxen wings" in line 21 of the Prologue?

3. Describe Faustus's studies, according to the Chorus in the Prologue.

4. What changes does Faustus make in his studies, according to the Chorus in the Prologue?

Short Essay Question - Act 1, Scene 1

5. In Act 1, Scene 1, what does Faustus consider studying, and why?

6. In Act 1, Scene 1, what does Faustus send Wagner to do, and why?