The Sunset Limited

           
            Many similarities exist between McCarthy’s The Sunset Limited and Marlowe’s Dr. Faustus. Specifically, White and Dr. Faustus parallel one another on an astounding level. Not only do White and Dr. Faustus occupy the same job description of Professor, but they also throw their lives away. Although White willingly attempted suicide while Dr. Faustus was forcefully dragged away by Lucifer, the principle leading up to their demise remains the same; education.

Knowledge is power, but ignorance is bliss.

            Dr. Faustus acquired the upstanding position of Professor but craves more knowledge, and therefore sells his soul to the devil in order to quench his thirst. As Dr. Faustus learns more secrets the world has in store, he finally realizes his approaching death and still limited knowledge. He becomes depressed because of his enlightenment. The same situation goes for White. White has pursued the position of Professor and discovers the end to all things, death, and decides he doesn’t want to be there for it all. “BLACK: And that’s what sent you off the edge of the platform. It wasn’t nothing personal. WHITE: It is personal. That’s what an education does. It makes the world personal.” (26) White also later admits, “It’s the first thing in that book there. The Garden of Eden. Knowledge as destructive to the spirit. Destructive to goodness.” (111)

The Origional Sin.

            Two other major similarities appear between White and Dr. Faustus. What they believe (or don’t believe) leads them into trouble. Dr. Faustus rationalizes that Hell and Lucifer cannot possibly exist, which is why he so carelessly trades his soul for knowledge. For White, because every single thing whether good or bad will end in death, he tries to check out early. Black states perfectly, “I don’t think that’s the problem. I think it’s what you do believe that is carryin you off, not what you don’t.” (93) Because both men believe so strongly in fragile ideas, they find difficulty in taking responsibility for their actions. Dr. Faustus refuses to believe in the devil until the very end, when his soul will be taken; that’s when he begs for God’s forgiveness. White refuses to convert to Christianity simply because he believes conclusions cannot change. “WHITE: I admit when I’m wrong. BLACK: I don’t think so.” (113)

He believes Hell doesn't exist, yet he summons Mephastophilis...hmmn. Strange world we live in. (Ignorance may be bliss, but being ignorant isn't.)