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Theme Of Blood In Doctor Faustus

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The word blood is used more than twenty times throughout Doctor Faustus. So curiously, what does the term "blood" really mean? According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word blood has several meanings depending on parts of speech. Blood (n.) means red liquid that carries oxygen and carbon dioxide from the tissues of the body. Blood (v.) means to initiate a person in a particular activity. Although the term appears in Doctor Faustus over twenty times, it is merely overlooked. I argue that the term blood has many symbolic meanings in Doctor Faustus. Whether it be Faustus was using his own blood to self initiate himself into the realm of magic or a Christianity references as Faustus tries to repent towards the end of the play. The term first appears to the audience when Mephastophilis appears before Faustus stating that he must a contract. This contract is no ordinary contract. Faustus cannot sign with a ballpoint pen. He must shed a little blood to sign the contract. "Lo Mephastophilis, for love of thee, I cut mine arm, and with my proper blood Assure my soul to be great Lucifer 's, Chief lord and regent of perpetual night. View here the blood that trickles from mine arm, And let it be propitious for my wish." (v. 53-58) This particular scene proves to be very disturbing as Faustus seemed to be very persistent on shedding blood for "great" Lucifer as he is speaking in prose. His effort of shedding blood, however, does not go as plan. Faustus ' blood congeals, only

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