Faust

Part 1: Dedication

Summary

In this short poem preceding the main action of the tragedy, Goethe describes the thoughts that run
through his mind as he sits in his study, preparing to work on the manuscript of Faust after a lapse of
many years. He seems to see vague forms and shadows floating in the air before his eyes, ghosts that
have haunted him all his life, but now they press upon his consciousness with more intensity than ever
before. As these forms become charged with greater emotional significance for him, the world of reality
in which Goethe lives seems to fall back into distant recesses of his mind.

Part 1: Prelude in the Theatre

Summary

A discussion takes place on the stage of a theatre between a director, a poet, and a clown. They argue
about what constitutes a good play. Three points of view are presented. The director is interested in
those things which make the play a commercial success: action and novelty. The poet is concerned with
the artistry and ideas that make the play's meaning universal and give it value for posterity. The clown
asserts that these views are not contradictory. He points out that the needs of art and the needs of the
moment can be reconciled, for that which attracts the general public need not be worthless. The artist
can maintain his integrity and still be successful if he stops feeling superior and develops a proper
appreciation for the values of everyday life.

Finally the director ends the discussion, reminding the others that there is still much work to be done if
they are to put on any play at all. He describes the techniques of producing a play and promises the
audience that the whole universe will be presented on his stage — beginning with Heaven and
proceeding through the world to Hell.

Part 1: Prologue in Heaven

Summary

The Lord and all the hosts of heaven are assembled. The three archangels, Raphael, Gabriel, and
Michael, individually step forward and recite eloquent praises of the beauty and perfection of the
universe and the omnipotence of God. Then Mephistopheles (also called Mephisto, the devil) enters. He
cannot imitate the songs of the others, he says, for he lacks their skill. Furthermore, he has seen that the
possession of reason and intelligence has made mankind unhappy, and this troubles him.

The Lord counters this criticism of humanity by citing the example of Faust, a man who is not debased by
reason and who will ultimately be guided by it to a knowledge of the truth. God and Mephisto differ in
evaluating Faust's potential. The devil censures Faust's present indecisive confusion, but the Lord
excuses it by saying, "Men make mistakes as long as they strive." He asserts that Faust in the end will
attain understanding and peace of mind.

The Lord and Mephisto make a wager to settle this dispute. As long as Faust lives, the devil may attempt
to influence and conquer him, but if Mephisto's judgment of Faust is shown to be wrong, he will have to
admit that "A good man with his groping intuitions! Still knows the path that is true and fit."
Mephistopheles and the Lord are both confident of winning and the bargain is sealed. The heavens
close, and the Lord and the archangels disappear.
Part 1: Faust's Study (iii)

Summary

The next day Faust is alone in his study again. Mephistopheles enters, dressed as a nobleman. He tries to
tempt Faust by offering him a life of limitless wealth and pleasure, but Faust sadly declines the offer,
saying that the world's pleasures cannot end his doubts or satisfy his needs.

Mephistopheles taunts Faust for his failure to commit suicide on Easter Eve and drives him to voice a
rejection of the value of life and the traditional Christian virtues. The devil urges Faust to begin a new
life with his assistance, and to exist no longer as an ordinary human being. If Faust agrees to become his
servant after death (i.e. to sell his soul), Mephisto will be his during life and will guarantee to provide all
that Faust desires.

Faust accepts this offer with some hesitation, for he doubts Mephisto's ability to fulfill his end of the
bargain, but makes a significant change in the wording of the pact. Faust promises that if any moment,
however brief, is so charged with pleasure for him that he says, "Linger a while! Thou art so fair!" that
will be the day of his death and he will serve the devil forever after.