'Be Silent Then, For Danger Is In Words'. The Wonders Of Reading And The Duties Of Criticism

Pieters, Jürgen

English Studies 2001 82 (2)106-114
(ReLIS:jul:juljig:y:2001:v:82:i:2:p:106-114)

Abstract:

In the opening scene of the fifth act of Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus, the title-character is seen to negotiate with two ‘scholars’, who at a previous meeting had asked him to perform one of his magic tricks and conjure before their eyes ‘the admirablest lady that ever lived’. Now that they meet with Faustus a second time, the scholars have finally decided that that lady must be none other than Helen of Troy. As soon as Mephistophilis, the doctor’s devilish accomplice, has complied with their wishes and brought Helen onstage for all to admire, Faustus urges the scholars to remain calm and say nothing. At that point, he addresses them by means of the words that feature as a title above the present essay. ‘Be silent then,’ he implores them, ‘for danger is in words’.

Keywords: Literatura alemana ; literatura inglesa ; Crítica
Pages: 106-114
Volume: 82
Year: 2001
Issue: 2

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