Goethe's Faust

Goethe’s Faust, a play based on the medieval legend of a man who sold his soul to the devil, is a theatrical work made in the Romantic period. The writer of this play is Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a German writer and statesman who was famous for his poems. The writer was born in August 28, 1749 in the Free City of Frankfurt. The play actually consists of two parts, but emphasis will be given on the first part for this post.

The play starts with a narrative, in which Mephistopheles, the Devil, complains about how the world is in its state – good. He claims that mankind is actually corrupt, and that he delights in the evil and disaster he can make. Mephistopheles then makes a bet with God that he will be able to turn one of His servants, Dr. Faust, over to sin and evil. God then agrees, knowing that Faust will be a faithful follower.

The curtains finally open with Faust sitting in his study while in despair over his life. He feels as if he has come to the end of all knowledge. Books and chemistry no longer define his life for him and he feels empty. He felt like he wanted to die, and so, he prepared a poison that would kill him. Just as he was about to drink it, a chorus of angels appear, announcing that it was Easter day and stops him from continuing the act.

Faust then decides to walk outside his town with Wagner, a fellow scholar. They talk to each other, with mostly Faust speaking about his passion for nature and a higher mode of life, but Wagner cannot fathom it. They soon see the townspeople celebrating Easter by the distance. Although Faust thinks he should be with them, he cannot shake away the depression he feels inside. The people try to comfort him, yet nothing succeeds in cheering him up. As Wagner and Faust return to their homes to continue their studies, a black dog follows Faust to his room. The dog then transforms into Mephistopheles, and the two starts to talk. After a few persuasions, Mephistopheles succeeds in making Faust agree to a wager. The devil promises to serve Faust and to give him a moment of transcendence – in which Faust believes Mephistopheles can never give. If the devil succeeds in giving these things, Faust must then be his servant for the rest of eternity in hell. A lot of tragic events happen after the wager, and it all ends with Faust causing murder, having an affair with a woman, and fleeing with Mephistopheles to keep them from being caught by the authorities.