Comedy scene in Faustus

Today we read Act 1 Scene 4, which was the 'comedy' scene with Wagner and Robin. At first glance it was clear the scene was written in prose, contrasting to the blank verse that had been used consistently prior to this scene, which showed the characters conversing were of a low status. 
It may be seen as a pantomime scene, as Wagner speaks to the audience; '(to the audience) Bear witness I gave them him.' In involving the audience in such a way, that has not been done as of yet in the play, it could be a method of obtaining the audience's attention and interest. 
Humour is used extensively in the scene; 'Robin 'My soul to the devil for a a shoulder of mutton, though 'twere blood raw? (...) I need have it well roasted, and good sauce to it, if I pay so dear.' In joking over how they would sell the soul to the devil for some meat, shows a different, causal view over the matter, as we have only seen Fautus' serious interpretation of religion in this sense.
The scene is often seen as comic relief, from a serious, difficult play. I believe the scene to be ineffective as it feels out of context and out of the feel of the play, which backs up the common belief that Marlowe himself did not write this scene, and it was added as a mere afterthought to lighten the mood.

Beginning to read Dr.Faustus

The lesson began with looking into what traits made up a gothic protagonist, and consequently ended into deciding whether Faustus himself possessed these given qualities. These being;

- Obtaining a strong passion, which often borders on obsession.

- Being inhuman in some form, whether that be in a physical or emotional sense.

- Having a degree of high status.

- Dabbling in corrupt affairs.

- To have a strong physical presence.

- To be of a high intelligence, that ties in with an arrogant persona.

From our reading in lesson it was clear Faustus held many of these attributes true. The setting of Scene 1 alone, shows Faustus is supposed to be seen in a intelligent light as he is sat in his study. This intelligence is immediately instilled from the chorus; 'Shortly grac'd with doctor's name', 'Excelling all'. His knowledge of the Latin language and awareness of Aristotle's ideas also depict a certain high level of intelligence from the character.

Faustus' arrogant nature is apparent from Scene One, as he believes he can dominate the world; 'All things that move between the quiet poles shall be at my command.' In dismissing the greatly hailed Aristotle's ideas, Faustus is suggesting his ideas prevail Aristotle's, an extremely arrogant view to have.

Faustus' excessive ambition ties in with his arrogance. He compares himself to Jesus as he suggests he could 'raise them to live again', as Jesus resurrected many souls from the dead. In Faustus comparing himself to Jesus it shows the drive his character has to achieve, however is also risky ground covered by Marlowe, as the contemporary audience were very religion conscious and many had accused Marlowe of being an Atheist.