Question

Which of the following scenes in Doctor Faustus are lowbrow? Select all that apply.

Faustus snatches dishes as they are passed around the Pope's table.
Faustus soars through the heavens to learn astronomy.
Mephistophilis and Faustus beat the friars and throw fireworks.
Faustus and Mephistophilis discuss hell.

Answer 1

Faustus snatches dishes as they are passed around the Pope's table.

Mephistophilis and Faustus beat the friars and throw fireworks.

Answer 2

• Faustus snatches dishes as they are passed around the Pope's table.

• Mephistophilis and Faustus beat the friars and throw fireworks.

"Lowbrow" usually refers to culture that is seen as being appealing to mass society. However, the term defines culture in a derogatory sense, by implying a lack of complexity or sophistication. In literature, this often refers to the use of simplistic stereotypes, formulaic conventions, stock characters and many archetypes, as well as jokes that are not subtle or balanced.