The fourth act of Christopher Marlowe’s “Doctor Faustus” shows Faustus bearing the full weight of his decisions and the results of his deeds. The act is primarily concerned with Faustus’s descent into despair, Mephistopheles’s manipulation, and his realisation that time is running out.

In the first scene of the act, Faustus muses on the shortness of life and the transitory nature of his powers. He muses on the idea of damnation and expresses his deep regret for having sold his soul. Faustus searches frantically for comfort and pardon but comes up empty-handed.

Mephistopheles appears and manipulates Faustus, playing upon his insecurities and fears. He reassures Faustus that his pact with Lucifer is binding and that there is no hope for redemption. Mephistopheles further entices Faustus with promises of worldly pleasures and distractions, trying to divert him from contemplating his impending doom.

In an attempt to divert Faustus’s attention, Mephistopheles conjures up the seven deadly sins as a spectacle for Faustus to enjoy. Each sin presents itself in a personified form, enticing Faustus with their seductive nature. However, Faustus is momentarily disturbed by their presence and reflects on the destructive power of these sins.

As he comes across an elderly man who exhorts him to repent and seek God’s forgiveness, Faustus’ internal conflict continues. Faustus is torn between his desires and his desire for salvation, but the old man stands for the possibility of redemption. Ultimately, Faustus rejects the elderly man’s pleading and decides to carry on with his damning course.

Act 4 shows how Faustus’s time is running out. The clock takes on special significance as it counts down the time left in his life and emphasises the approaching expiration of his agreement. Faustus becomes more and more agitated as he realises that his desires have doomed him to an unsalvageable fate.