How are the comic interludes in Dr.

Faustus
related to the main plot of the play?

The comic interludes which were a typical feature of Elizabethan tragedy are also
present in Christopher Marlowes Doctor Faustus. Apart from their main purpose of
providing a tragic relief and alleviating the tension that builds up in the serious scenes,
these comic episodes present the main plot in a different perspective and further enhance
the character development, or in this case his demise.
During the comic scenes we are able to view the main plot in a slightly different
humorous light. The scene where Wagner tries to persuade Robin the Clown to sell his
soul for a raw piece of meat resembles the contract between Faustus and the devil . Even
though Faustus does not settle for a piece of meat, his gain of twenty four years of power
and indulgence seem equally worthless in comparison to what he gives up his soul. The
Clown, although poor and starved, understands the value of his soul as opposed to
Faustus, an educated and successful man, who fails to do so. The fact that Wagner wants
Robin to be his servant further mimics the nature of the servant-master relationship
between Faustus and Mephistophilis.
What is more, the comic situations foreshadow Faustuss ultimate downfall. By
reading that the Scholars who are concerned about his use of black magic could not help
him, the reader becomes aware that there is no return for Faustus. After Faustus deceives
the horse trainer, the latter pulls off Faustuss leg in an attempt to get his money back.
The leg dislodges from the body indicating the disintegration of both Faustuss body and
soul and his eternal damnation.
Taking into consideration all of the previously mentioned examples, it is evident
that the comic subplot is closely related to and entwined into the main plot as an integral
part of the tragedy.