Interpretations of GoetheFaust essays

Interpretations of GoetheFaust essays 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 Im 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 Marlowes Dr. Faustus was published in the early seventeenth century, and is more in tune with the traditional tale. Goethes Faust, however, differs from the traditional stories. Many critics credit Goethes Faust as opening a whole new era of Western thought. Modern society are wandering aimlessly in a technological world, searching for meaning in life. Western people at the time achieved salvation through religion and Christianity. But Faust achieved his salvation through action. Goethes Faust does not sell his soul to the devil at all he makes a bet with him. An important factor to note is that I am only discussing part I of Faust. Although, in part II the Devil, Mephistopheles, ends up losing this bet. Moreover, Faust does not disobey Gods command, like he does in the traditional tale. God, in Goethes Faust, has complete confidence in Fausts good sense and gives Mephistophe...