Faust

Lesson 18: by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe pp. 678-780

I am including a supplementary study guide by Mr. Joe Carson for Faust. I am sure you will find them extremely helpful as you read the play.

It is important to remind you that we have moved from the Age of Enlightenment and Voltaire to the Romantic Age. There is a contrast between Candide and Faust in that Faust desires more than learning has brought him. (Those who took World Literature I particularly might contrast Job and Faust as well because there is some of the same kind of dramatic irony.) Key to this move from Voltaire to Goethe is that in Romanticism emotions become moe important than reason. The thoughts and feelings and emotions of the individual are more important. In the Enlightenment, feelings are not considered as important. Romanticism is a world very similar to our own. We ask more what do you feel, rather than what do you think. 

Vocabulary

No additional examples.

Paper Topics

The following is a list of topic choices for the third essay. Select one to develop in a 500+ word essay. Or, choose a topic from lesson 22 or lesson 23. Be sure to review the guidelines for writing an essay and don't forget to add a Works Cited sheet to your essay. Check important dates for due date to avoid late penalties.

• Write a character analysis of Faust. Consider the question: Why is Faust in such despair about his life? What causes him to forego his imminent suicide? What happens to change him?
• Characterize Wagner. How does he serve as a contrast to Faust so that we see more clearly the characteristics of the central character?
• Contrast Mephistopheles and Faust.
• Professor Lynch argues that Mephistopheles “is the very embodiment of nondoing, despair, weakness.” What evidence could he present to defend such a statement? What other characteristics of Mephistopheles do you see in the play? How is such a character as Mephistopheles helpful for Goethe to accomplish his purposes in the play?
• Faust is a hero because he’s willing to break free of boundaries.

Last Updated: January 5, 2007