Doctor Faustus (Marlowe) Lesson Plan

In Act II, Scene 3, what is the significance of Faustus's words "And long ere this I should have slain myself/ Had not sweet pleasure conquered deep despair" (II.3.24-5)? How would the audience in Faustus's time have understood this line? Why do you think Faustus's perspective here is significant from a philosophical perspective?

In Act II, Scene 3, Faustus becomes distraught and angry at Mephistopheles again for convincing him to give up any hope of Heaven and sell his soul to the devil. Mephistopheles tries to convince Faustus that Heaven is not that wonderful a place. The Good Angel and the Evil Angel appear again and argue with Faustus about whether he should...