The Old Mans speech in version A of The Tragical History of Dr. Faustus by Christopher Marlowe seems to be coming from a kinder, more compassionate Old Man than in version B. In version A, it seems to be coming from someone who deeply cares about Dr. Faustus, and is talking from a friend’s standpoint. In version B the Old Man seems to be talking from more of an authoritative position. One in which …showed first 75 words of 447 total…

…showed last 75 words of 447 total…the play at this point is not effected. The fait of Dr. Faustus is told to us early in the play through the reference to mythological Greek character Icarus, so there is not too much room for change in opinion while reading the play. This play also being a play of a tragic hero displaying a common trait of these heroes, hubris, you know this trait will be his downfall and lead to his demise.