Interpretations of GoetheFaust
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote his book Faust throughout his lifetime. Goethe began writing his book in his twenties, then worked on it in intervals up until his death at the age of eighty two. When I first saw the book Faust I immediately thought of the story of a man who sells his soul to the devil in return for supernatural powers. This story I'm talking about is really dependent on Christianity for its plot. Faust was an educated man who wanted to learn more than God allowed man to know. Faust gains superior knowledge, and enjoys magical powers. But, in the end Faust gets carried down to hell with the devil. Without a doubt this story is a Christian cautionary tale, it warns you that you will lose your soul if you try to outsmart God. This traditional story is a German one. Moreover, there was a real Dr. Faustus who lived in Germany, but examples of his life are unknown, or are impossible to find out. The legend of Faust has been used by Poets, writers, and opera composers. Christopher Marlowe's Dr. Faustus was published in the early seventeenth century, and is more in tune with the traditional tale. Goethe's Faust, however, differs from the traditional stories. Many critics credit Goethe's Faust as opening a
Additionally, with this theme there includes many sub themes and modern theories. To reiterate, the traditional tales of Faust were cautionary tales meant for Christians. The majority of Goethe's Faust is funny, especially when Mephistopheles is around. An important factor to note is that I am only discussing part I of Faust. Mephistopheles refers to God as a tolerant "old gent" who knows Faust will not be lured in the wrong direction. Western people at the time achieved salvation through religion and Christianity. Moreover, Faust does not disobey God's command, like he does in the traditional tale. At the end of part I Margarete is saved by God even though she is condemned by her peers and the law. It is considered human to strive upward, and very often we make mistakes in the process. Although, in part II the Devil, Mephistopheles, ends up losing this bet. This gives the example of class oppression of the bourgeoisie and petty bourgeoisie by nobility. In these traditional tales, the Devil promises Faust supernatural powers for a limited time, and as repayment Faust's soul belonged to hell. These are some interesting interpretations. Perhaps Goethe is saying Faust represents mankind, and he is saying man's life is tragic because we must always strive without satisfaction. God bets Mephistopheles that he won't be able to break Faust of his faith, and Faust bets Mephistopheles that he won't be able to make any moment pleasurable that Faust wants time to stop.
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