Faust

Synopsis

Loosely connected with Part One and the German legend of Faust, Part Two is a dramatic epic rather than a strictly constructed drama. It is conceived as an act of homage to classical Greek culture and inspired above all by the world of story-telling and myth at the heart of the Greek tradition, as well as owing some of its material to the Arabian Nights tales. The restless and ruthless hero, advised by his cynical demon-companion Mephistopheles, visits classical Greece i search of the beautiful Helen of Troy. Returning to modern times, he seeks to crown his career by gaining control of the elements, and at his death is carried up into the unkown regions, still in pursuit of the `Eternal Feminine'. David Luke's translation of Part One won the European Poetry Translation Prize. Here he again imitates the varied verse-forms of the original, and provides a highly readable - and actable - translation, supported by an introduction, full notes, and an index of classical mythology. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Summary

Chapter 1: Night

* Faust, a disillusioned scholar, invokes an Earth Spirit in desperation for knowledge and experience beyond his books.
* The Spirit dismisses Faust's limited human understanding and challenges him to find true satisfaction in worldly pleasures.
* Despairing of his inability to grasp ultimate truth, Faust summons Mephistopheles, the Devil, to make a pact with him.

Example:
Faust, driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, ponders the limitations of his academic pursuits:

"Habe nun, ach! Philosophie,
Juristerei und Medizin,
Und leider auch Theologie
Durchaus studiert, mit heißem Bemühn.
Da steh' ich nun, ich armer Tor!
Und bin so klug als wie zuvor."
(Have, alas, studied philosophy, / Jurisprudence, medicine, and / Even theology with zeal. / And here I stand, the wretched fool, / No wiser than before.)

Chapter 2: Student Scene

* Faust rejuvenates himself with Mephistopheles' help and visits Auerbach's Cellar in Leipzig, where students indulge in drinking and revelry.
* Mephistopheles uses magic to entertain the revelers, but Faust remains unmoved by their shallow pursuits.
* Faust encounters Gretchen, an innocent and virtuous young woman, and falls deeply in love with her.

Example:
Mephistopheles' performance of a magic trick, the "Hexentrank," captivates the drunken students:

"Der Teufel bring' ihn! Seht, wie er springt!
Der springende Bock, er ist noch nicht müd'.
In jeden Winkel hüpft er hinein,
Seid nur auf eurer Hut für Horn und Huf!"
(The Devil take him! See how he leaps! / The jumping billy goat is not tired yet. / Into every nook he hops, / Watch out for his horns and hooves!)

Chapter 3: Martha's Garden

* Faust and Gretchen meet in Martha's garden and profess their love for each other.
* Mephistopheles assists Faust in orchestrating a meeting with Gretchen, using a garden-neighbor's potion to summon her.
* Faust seduces Gretchen and impregnates her, but eventually abandons her.

Example:
Faust's love speech to Gretchen reveals his intense passion:

"Du darfst mir nicht in's Auge sehen, / Du darfst mir nicht die Hand berühren, / Und mir das Herz im Busen rühren – / Mein armer Kopf ist mir verrückt!"
(You must not look into my eyes / You must not touch my hand, / And stir my heart in my breast – / My poor head is going mad!)

Chapter 4: Night

* Gretchen is imprisoned after drowning her newborn child and killing her mother.
* Faust and Mephistopheles visit Gretchen in prison and attempt to rescue her, but she refuses to leave with Faust due to her guilt and shame.
* Mephistopheles claims Gretchen's soul, while Faust curses him for her death.

Example:
Gretchen's final words express her despair and rejection of Faust:

"Heinrich! Mir graut's vor dir!
Dem Bösen hast du dich ergeben,
Mir kannst du keine Weihe geben.
Gericht Gottes! Dir hab' ich mich ergeben,
Du wirst mich rächen!"
(Heinrich! I shudder at you! / You have surrendered to the Evil One, / You cannot save me. / Judgment of God! I surrender to you, / You will avenge me!)