When we look at the themes of excess power in both Prebble’s “Enron” and Marlowe’s “Doctor Faustus,” it’s fascinating to see how these two texts, separated by centuries, reflect similar concerns about human ambition and its consequences. Both works delve deep into the pitfalls of unbridled power and ambition, highlighting how characters succumb to their desires, leading to catastrophic outcomes. In this essay, I will explore how these themes manifest in each play and what they reveal about humanity’s relationship with power.
Ambition as a Double-Edged Sword
In “Doctor Faustus,” Christopher Marlowe presents us with a protagonist whose insatiable thirst for knowledge drives him to make a pact with the devil. Faustus is portrayed as an overreaching intellect who believes he can transcend human limitations through his newfound powers. He trades his soul for 24 years of limitless knowledge and magical abilities, showcasing the idea that ambition can often lead one down a dark path. This theme is captured vividly when Faustus declares, “A greater subject fitteth Faustus’ wit.” His desire to attain more than what is humanly possible reflects a common motif in literature where ambition becomes excessive.
Similarly, in Prebble’s “Enron,” we witness characters like Jeffrey Skilling and Ken Lay who are engulfed by their ambitions within the corporate world. The aggressive pursuit of profit leads them to engage in unethical practices that ultimately contribute to one of the largest scandals in American history. Skilling embodies this drive when he suggests that if you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much space. His relentless pursuit of success and disregard for moral considerations mirror Faustus’s disregard for the consequences of his actions.
The Illusion of Control
Another critical aspect surrounding excess power in both plays is the illusion of control that comes with it. For Faustus, his pact with Lucifer gives him temporary control over supernatural forces; however, this control proves fleeting. As he delves deeper into magic, he realizes that instead of being a master over his fate, he becomes increasingly subservient to Mephistopheles and ultimately faces damnation. The irony here lies in how Faustus believes he has gained power while simultaneously losing any semblance of autonomy.
In “Enron,” characters experience a similar disillusionment regarding control within their corporate empire. As they manipulate financial statements and create complex schemes like mark-to-market accounting, there’s an illusion that they have everything under control—profits are soaring on paper! However, this façade crumbles rapidly when exposed by external scrutiny and eventual financial collapse occurs. Just like Faustus learning too late about the true nature of his bargain with hell, Enron executives face devastating repercussions when their deceitful practices come crashing down around them.
The Role of Hubris
A significant element tying these two narratives together is hubris—the excessive pride or self-confidence that leads individuals towards ruinous decisions driven by their delusions of grandeur. For both Faustian figures—Faustus himself and Skilling—their belief that they can outsmart fate or morality results in catastrophic endings.
Marlowe crafts Faustus’ downfall meticulously; despite numerous opportunities for redemption throughout the play—warnings from good angels or even scholarly colleagues—Faustus remains resolute in his defiance against divine order because he views himself as superior to conventional limits imposed by society or religion. Likewise at Enron: executives become so enmeshed within their own inflated egos fueled by immense wealth & power they neglect ethical boundaries until it’s far too late!
The Price Paid for Excess Power
Ultimately both plays serve as cautionary tales about what happens when individuals choose unchecked ambition over moral grounding: whether through metaphysical means (as depicted through demonic bargains) or real-world corruption (as seen at Enron). The fallout isn’t just personal failure but broader societal implications—lives lost due economic ramifications faced by employees/families during such corporate catastrophes post-Enron scandal which remind us all: there are always costs associated with excess!
This exploration into excess power teaches us valuable lessons about humility & responsibility amidst our ambitions – core tenets still relevant today! It compels audiences/viewers/readers alike reflect upon not only consequences borne from one’s choices but also recognize importance balancing aspirations alongside ethical considerations if we hope prevent tragic outcomes echoing those found within these two powerful narratives.
Conclusion: A Timeless Reflection on Power
The thematic parallels between Prebble’s “Enron” and Marlowe’s “Doctor Faustus” serve as timeless reminders about human nature’s tendency towards excess—not just greed-driven pursuits seen through business dealings but also intellectual arrogance manifested through literary archetypes across history! Both caution against letting ambition eclipse morals whilst emphasizing accountability must accompany progress lest we repeat mistakes made before us time & again!
- Marlowe C., Doctor Faustus
- Prebble L., Enron
- Baker J., The Dangerous Influence Of Ambition In Literature
- Campbell D., Hubris And Its Consequences In Shakespearean Tragedy And Beyond
- Sternberg M., Corporate Corruption And Lessons From Enron Scandal
