Analyze the use of female archetypes in Faustus, including the ways these may advance the plot and the ways in which their use is problematic.

In Christopher Marlowe's "Doctor Faustus," female archetypes are used in various ways to advance the plot and add depth to the narrative. However, their use can also be seen as problematic from a modern perspective.

1. Advancement of Plot: Female characters in "Doctor Faustus" often serve as catalysts for the plot. For instance, Helen of Troy's appearance prompts Faustus to sell his soul to Mephistopheles. Her beauty and allure symbolize the ultimate earthly pleasure that Faustus seeks, thus advancing the plot towards its tragic end.

2. Problematic Use: The use of female archetypes in "Doctor Faustus" can be seen as problematic due to their lack of depth and agency. The women in the play are often objectified and used as tools for the male characters' desires and ambitions. For example, Helen of Troy is reduced to her physical beauty and has no voice or character development of her own. This can be seen as a reflection of the patriarchal society of the time, but it also limits the potential of these characters and their impact on the narrative.

3. The Dichotomy of Virgin and Whore: The play also presents the problematic dichotomy of the virgin and the whore in its female characters. The Good Angel and the Evil Angel can be seen as representations of this dichotomy, with the Good Angel embodying purity and morality, and the Evil Angel embodying temptation and sin. This dichotomy is problematic as it reduces women to simplistic, one-dimensional figures defined by their sexual purity or lack thereof.

4. The Absence of Real Women: Another problematic aspect is the absence of real, complex female characters. The women in the play are either idealized figures like Helen of Troy or abstract representations like the Good and Evil Angels. This lack of real, complex female characters limits the narrative and reinforces gender stereotypes.

In conclusion, while the use of female archetypes in "Doctor Faustus" does serve to advance the plot, it is also problematic in its reduction of women to one-dimensional figures and its reinforcement of gender stereotypes.