alchemyAn early form of chemistry, with philosophical and magical associations, focused on transforming common metals into gold and finding a universal cure for diseases
Definitions:
A seemingly magical process of transformation or creation"He views cooking as a sort of alchemy"
mephistophelesA demon character from German folklore, used by Marlowe in 'Doctor Faustus' to personify the devil. He is associated with selling one's soul for knowledge and power
Definitions:
A devil in medieval mythology and the one to whom Faust sold his soul in the Faust legend"Mephistopheles, the trickster Devil, played a role in many forms of literature"
necromancyA form of magic involving communication with the dead to predict the future, also used in the text as a broader term for black magic
Definitions:
The practice of supposedly communicating with the spirits of the dead in order to predict the future"Through necromancy, he called the spirits to guide him"
sinA transgression against divine law, often referenced in the play as Faustus contemplates the moral implications of his pact with the devil
Definitions:
An immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law"He committed a sin by stealing"
Commit a sin"He sinned against his family by abandoning them"
damnationCondemnation to eternal punishment in hell, an important theme in 'Doctor Faustus'
Definitions:
Condemnation to eternal punishment in hell"She feared for her soul's damnation after committing the crime"