It's perhaps difficult to know Marlowe's true motives, since there is much speculation that he was an atheist who did not believe in God, nor hell. But the play itself seems to serve as a universal lesson on the dangers of absolute power, and the folly of searching for happiness and fulfillment in money and renown -- neither of which are inherently evil things. The almost comical aspect of Faustus' quest for dominion is the limitation that comes along with his power. Anytime he performs a "magic trick" there is always a caveat attached. The tricks he performs are petty, unhelpful and sometimes just plain cruel. Although the play does end with Faustus being dragged to hell, a very serious consequence for actions performed, the story can also simply be taken as a lesson to find fulfillment in things that truly make one happy and lead to a prosperous, selfless existence that benefits the lives of others.
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