Faust: Der Tragödie erster Teil

Name: Faust: Der Tragödie erster Teil
Author: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

By Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

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About This Book

The play traces an anguished scholar who, dissatisfied with limited human knowledge, makes a pact with a cynical supernatural agent who promises youth and worldly experience in exchange for servitude; their bargain leads the scholar into seduction of a young woman, social ruin, and moral catastrophe culminating in her imprisonment and the scholar's torment. Interwoven are metaphysical debates in a prologue between heaven and the tempter, episodic scenes of city taverns, a witches' revel, and a subterranean prison. Themes include the limits of reason, the hunger for experience, temptation, responsibility, and the possibility of redemption amid tragic consequences.

About the Author

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) was a German writer, statesman, and naturalist, widely regarded as one of the greatest figures in Western literature. His works span various genres, including poetry, drama, and prose, reflecting his deep engagement with the human experience and nature. Goethe is best known for his dramatic masterpiece "Faust," a profound exploration of ambition, desire, and redemption. His autobiographical work, "Autobiography: Truth and Fiction Relating to My Life," offers insights into his life and creative process. Goethe's contributions to literature and philosophy have left a lasting impact, influencing countless writers and thinkers across generations.