Part B · Short Questions — Doctor Faustus

Pride comes first. She boasts that she has no parents and looks down on everyone. Covetousness comes next. He says he was born in an old leather bag. He loves gold and wants to lock everything in his chest. These two sins match Faustus's own wish for power and wealth.

Wrath says he was born from a lion's mouth. He runs around the world with swords and wounds himself when he has nobody to fight. Envy is the next sin. He was born of a chimney-sweeper and an oyster-wife. He cannot read and wishes all books were burnt. He grows thin by watching others eat.

Gluttony says her grandfather was a piece of bacon. She wants to be invited to supper every day. Sloth was born on a sunny bank and has lain there ever since. He is too lazy even to speak. He says he will not say a word more for a king's ransom. Both sins show a weak, careless mind.

Lechery is the last sin. She says she loves an inch of raw mutton better than an ell of fried stockfish. Faustus enjoys the show and says it feeds his soul. Lucifer wants to keep him happy and away from repentance. The show is funny, but it is also a serious warning. Faustus himself will soon commit these sins.