2. “Deals with the Devil”

3. Origin of the name…  Dr. Faustus  Play by Christopher Marlow (a “mentor” to William Shakespeare)  Dr. Faust is a scholar who has learned everything there is to learn. As a way of furthering his learning, Faust makes a deal with Lucifer to have Lucifer’s servant as his aid and teacher for 24 years after which Lucifer may have his soul. As the play continues Faust begins to regret his deal and looks for ways to escape his fate. He, of course, fails, and must pay his debt to the devil.

4. Characters (the “Hero”) Characters tend to be very “human.”  Ambitious.  Middle Aged.  They have begun to lose hope.  One central thing that means a great deal to them.

5. The Devil Often it is the true devil referred to by a common name for him:  Satan  Lucifer  The black man  Prince of darkness  The black woodsman  Old Scratch  666, 616, Number of the Beast  The beast, Beelzebub Other times his is character with “evil” intent.  A character who offers a special chance at a price.  Anytime a character appears “bearing gifts” be on the lookout.

6. Pattern…  We see the status quo of the hero.  Dissatisfied  Believe they could do so much more.  The “hero” happens upon what appears to be a lucky break.  Offered a deal by the “devil.”  The “devil” marks the “hero” in some way.  The “hero” enjoys the fruits of the deal for a while.  The enjoyment generally feels hollow.  “Hero” begins to regret the deal s/he has made.  Looks for ways out.  Devil returns to collect.  Tale ends in the death of the “hero” either literal or symbolic.

7. Examples Click for Song (Lyrics) Click for Song

8. Symbols  Biblical Symbols are rife throughout these tales.  Numbers  Colors  Always be on the lookout for Christ figures.  Historical figures  These Stories tend to take “swipes” at historical figures from their own cultures suggesting that this figures have sold their souls.  This offers a chance to see the values of a society.

9. Theme… There can be only one theme possible with the pure form of this pattern of story. “The choice to sell your soul will lead to ruin.” The place for variation of this theme is in whether and how much the “hero” comes to regret his/her choice. Or if the hero chooses not to sell his soul. Occasionally the “hero” only imagines for gets a trial run.