“Faust” by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The poem of Goethe’s “Faust,” written in the XVIII century, still strikes the reader deep disclosure eternal themes of concern to all of humanity. The struggle between good and evil; knowledge of the meaning of life on earth; recognition of human supreme creation of God, able to create and to be happy from this.

The image of Faust has repeatedly appeared in the works of world literature. History Man, he lived in the XVI century and was a scholar-magician who denied science and religion, and to sell his soul to the devil. However, thanks to the genius of Goethe, this hero has become known around the world as the embodiment of the unlimited possibilities of humanity, its creativity and the spirit of the eternal search.

The whole poem is in fact a kind of dialogue in action between two opposing worldview characters: Faust and Mephistopheles. Faust, who has lived a long life with a profound knowledge, but did not understand the truth of human existence, and Mephistopheles, confident that the world will always be imperfect, and man – worthless in front of this imperfection. Eternally unsatisfied and looking for Faust – and a balanced, thoughtful Mephistopheles. Full of passion and emotion a scientist – and Satan, completely devoid of any of their manifestations. The desire to know the meaning of life and destiny of man on earth Faust Mephistopheles opposite of pity for the people of his irony at their pathetic attempts to fix the world.

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Mephistopheles Goethe – not evil traits are used to see how this character readers. In his mouth, the writer often puts bitter words of truth. Moreover, often it becomes unclear who like the author – scientist or hell, he probably watching their controversy. Many researchers believe (and I share their point of view) that it was the image of Mephistopheles Goethe became the prototype of Bulgakov’s Woland notorious. A special sympathy to the author of “Faust” is yet another confirmation of this. However, let us return to Goethe.

Disappointed with the perfection of the world and people Mephistopheles can only play with the man, and he enters into a bet with the Lord himself by Faust as an object of dispute. Mephistopheles sure he knew all about human passions and probably be able to offer to Faust that led scientists to exclaim: “Stop a moment, you’re beautiful!”. At the same time, under the terms of the bet, Faust’s soul must go to hell.

Since then, and begins a journey of heroes: first in the everyday life of German society, then – in temporary spaces. Mephistopheles tries to seduce Faust eternal youth, money, love, power, strength, beauty… Sometimes Faust almost feels happy, but this sensation burst like a soap bubble: it tempted Margaret dies; dies and the son of Faust and Helen – Evforion – and with it disappears itself beloved scientist.

Finally, Faust comes to the truth, and finds out that the meaning of human life – to build, to create, to live and work for the good of the people, bringing them benefit, fighting for a happy future for humanity. During the construction of their new city, blinded physically and spiritually received his sight, Faust utters the sacred words. However, Mephistopheles wins the bet – Paradise force do not allow him to take the soul of the scientist in Hell. The human mind, contrary to the interpretation of Mephistopheles that this is the cause of all human suffering, triumph and celebrating his triumph. Yet the reader the impression of utopia is not formed, physical blindness protagonist clearly indicates that in real life, such a successful conclusion cannot be.

Send “Faust” full depth of meaning of a poem in words is impossible. This work should be read and re-read with each reading of discovering something new. I note only that the person who took the hands of this work, must be sufficiently proficient reader and understand that “Faust” – not entertaining reading, which can simply brighten up the hours of rest. This is a deeply philosophical poem, thought provoking, to draw conclusions, learn and even to change something in their outlook.

“Faust” – one of those works that are certainly worth a read for everyone. In addition, there is no doubt looking at the writing of the poem – it refers to the eternal creations, relevant at all times.