Great Books/Reading Faust
Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a tragic play in two parts that delves into themes of ambition, knowledge, love, and redemption.[1] The story revolves around the character of Dr. Heinrich Faust, a highly knowledgeable but dissatisfied scholar, who longs for deeper meaning and greater fulfillment in life.
Part One begins with Faust in a state of despair over the limits of human knowledge and experience. Disillusioned with scholarly pursuits, he turns to magic in hopes of transcending human limitations. During this time, Mephistopheles, a devilish figure, makes a wager with God that he can lead Faust astray. Mephistopheles appears to Faust, offering him unlimited knowledge and worldly pleasures in exchange for his soul. Faust agrees to the pact, hoping to find true satisfaction.
Under Mephistopheles' guidance, Faust experiences a series of adventures. He is rejuvenated and seduces a young woman named Gretchen (Margarete), leading her into a tragic spiral of events. Gretchen’s life is destroyed as a result of their affair: she becomes pregnant, is shunned by society, accidentally poisons her mother, and her brother is killed in a duel with Faust. Ultimately, Gretchen goes mad, kills her child, and is imprisoned. In the end, she prays for redemption, and although Faust attempts to save her, she is executed. Gretchen’s soul is saved by divine intervention, highlighting the possibility of redemption
Part Two shifts in tone and scope, becoming more allegorical and wide-ranging. It follows Faust’s continued quest for fulfillment, guided by Mephistopheles. Faust becomes involved in various endeavors, including aiding an emperor, conjuring the spirits of Helen of Troy and Paris, and seeking the ideal of classical beauty. Despite these grand ventures, Faust remains restless.
In the final act, an elderly Faust works to reclaim land from the sea, aiming to create a utopian society. However, his vision is thwarted, and he faces the end of his life. At the moment of death, Faust expresses a moment of true contentment, interpreting it as the pinnacle of his striving. This moment allows angels to intervene, claiming his soul for heaven and thwarting Mephistopheles.
"Faust" concludes with the redemption of Faust’s soul, suggesting that sincere striving and the quest for enlightenment can lead to salvation. The play is a profound exploration of human ambition, the duality of good and evil, and the possibility of spiritual redemption. Through its rich characters, poetic language, and philosophical depth, "Faust" remains one of Goethe's masterpieces and a seminal work in Western literature.
Assignment
[edit | edit source]Obtain a copy of the book. It is included in Wikisource, and is available from several libraries listed in Worldcat.
Read the book. Study the book.
Write an essay on one of the following topics:
In a Great Books University curriculum, discussion questions for Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's "Faust" would likely address the play’s themes, characters, and philosophical inquiries. Here are some examples of discussion questions that might be assigned:[2]
- Themes of Knowledge and Ambition:
- How does Faust’s quest for knowledge and fulfillment reflect the broader human experience?
- What does Goethe suggest about the limits of human knowledge and the dangers of excessive ambition?
- The Faustian Bargain:
- Discuss the significance of the pact between Faust and Mephistopheles.
- How does this deal drive the narrative, and what does it reveal about Faust’s character?
- Good vs. Evil:
- How are the concepts of good and evil portrayed in the play?
- In what ways do the characters of Mephistopheles and Faust embody these themes?
- Redemption and Damnation:
- Explore the theme of redemption in "Faust".
- How does Gretchen’s redemption at the end of Part One contrast with Faust’s journey in Part Two?
- Character Analysis:
- Analyze the character of Mephistopheles. What role does he play in Faust’s life and in the broader context of the play?
- Discuss the evolution of Faust’s character from Part One to Part Two. How do his goals and motivations change?
- The Role of Gretchen:
- Examine Gretchen’s character and her significance in Faust’s journey.
- How does her innocence and subsequent downfall contribute to the play’s moral and thematic structure?
- Symbolism and Allegory:
- Identify and discuss key symbols and allegorical elements in "Faust" (e.g., the pact, the rejuvenation, Helen of Troy).
- How do these elements enhance the play’s themes and messages?
- Philosophical Influences:
- How does "Faust" engage with philosophical ideas such as existentialism, humanism, and romanticism?
- In what ways does Goethe critique or support these philosophies through the narrative?
- The Role of Nature and the Supernatural:
- Discuss the interplay between natural and supernatural elements in the play.
- How do these elements reflect the inner states of the characters and the broader themes of the work?
- The Quest for Meaning:
- How does Faust’s pursuit of meaning and fulfillment evolve throughout the play?
- What does the conclusion of "Faust" suggest about the possibility of achieving true contentment?
- Literary and Historical Context:
- How does "Faust" reflect the intellectual and cultural currents of Goethe’s time?
- In what ways does the play engage with contemporary issues of the Enlightenment and Romantic periods?
- Narrative Structure and Style:
- Discuss Goethe’s use of narrative structure and poetic form in "Faust".
- How does the structure of the play, particularly the transition from Part One to Part Two, affect its overall impact and meaning?
These questions encourage students to engage critically with the text, exploring its depth and complexity from multiple perspectives.