Faust tragedy. Goethe J. W. Laboratory in the medieval spirit

The tragedy of I. V. Goethe "Faust" was written in 1774 - 1831 and belongs to the literary direction of romanticism. The work is the main work of the writer, on which he worked for almost his entire life. The plot of the tragedy is based on the German Legend of Faust, the famous warlock of the 16th century. Particular attention is drawn to the composition of the tragedy. The two parts of "Faust" are contrasted: the first shows the doctor's relationship with the spiritually pure girl Margarita, the second shows Faust's activities at court and marriage to the ancient heroine Elena.

Main characters

Heinrich Faust- a doctor, a scientist disillusioned with life and science. Made a deal with Mephistopheles.

Mephistopheles- an evil spirit, the devil, argued with the Lord that he could get the soul of Faust.

Gretchen (Margarita) - beloved Faust. An innocent girl who, out of love for Heinrich, accidentally killed her mother, and then, going crazy, drowned her daughter. Died in prison.

Other characters

Wagner - student of Faust who created the Homunculus.

Elena- an ancient Greek heroine, beloved of Faust, from whom her son Euphorion was born. Their marriage is a symbol of the combination of ancient and romantic beginnings.

Euphorion - the son of Faust and Helen, endowed with the features of a romantic, Byronic hero.

Martha- Margarita's neighbor, a widow.

Valentine- soldier, brother Gretchen, who was killed by Faust.

Theater Director, Poet

Homunculus

dedication

Theatrical introduction

The director of the theater asks the Poet to create an entertaining work that will be interesting to absolutely everyone and will attract more viewers to their theater. However, the Poet believes that "the splattering of vulgarities is a great evil", "talentless crooks are a craft".

The director of the theater advises him to move away from the usual style and more resolutely get down to business - "in his own way" with poetry, then his works will be really interesting to people. The director provides the Poet and the Actor with all the possibilities of the theater in order to:

“In this boardwalk - a booth
You can, as in the universe,
Having passed all the tiers in a row,
Descend from heaven through the earth to hell.

Prologue in the sky

Mephistopheles comes to the Lord for reception. The devil argues that people "illumined by God's spark" continue to live like animals. The Lord asks if he knows Faust. Mephistopheles recalls that Faust is a scientist who "rushes into battle, and loves to take on obstacles," serving God. The devil offers to bet that he will "beat off" the Lord Faust, exposing him to all sorts of temptations, to which he agrees. God is sure that the scientist's instinct will lead him out of the impasse.

Part one

Night

Cramped gothic room. Faust is sitting awake reading a book. The Doctor reflects:

"I mastered theology,
I pored over philosophy,
jurisprudence hollowed
And studied medicine.
However, at the same time, I
I was and still am a fool.

And I turned to magic,
So that the spirit at the call appears to me
And he discovered the secret of being.

The doctor's thoughts are interrupted by his student Wagner, who suddenly enters the room. During a conversation with a student, Faust explains: people really do not know anything about antiquity. The doctor is outraged by Wagner's arrogant, stupid thoughts that man has already grown up to know all the secrets of the universe.

When Wagner left, the doctor reflects that he considered himself equal to God, but this is not so: "I am a blind worm, I am the stepson of nature." Faust realizes that his life is "passing in dust" and is about to commit suicide by drinking poison. However, at the moment when he brings a glass of poison to his lips, a bell ringing and choral singing are heard - the angels sing about the Resurrection of Christ. Faust abandons his intention.

At the gate

Crowds of people walking, including Wagner and Faust. The old farmer thanks the doctor and his late father for helping to "get rid of the plague" in the city. However, Faust is ashamed of his father, who during his medical practice for the sake of experiments gave people poison - while treating some, he killed others. A black poodle runs up to the doctor and Wagner. It seems to Faust that behind the dog "a flame snakes across the land of the glades."

Faust's workroom

Faust took the poodle with him. The doctor sits down to translate the New Testament into German. Reflecting on the first phrase of the scripture, Faust comes to the conclusion that it is translated not as “In the beginning was the Word”, but “In the beginning was the Deed”. The poodle begins to play around and, distracted from work, the doctor sees how the dog turns into Mephistopheles. The devil appears to Faust in the clothes of a wandering student. The doctor asks who he is, to which Mephistopheles replies:

“Part of the strength of that which is without number
He does good, wishing evil to everything.

Mephistopheles chuckles at human weaknesses, as if he knows what thoughts torment Faust. Soon the Devil is about to leave, but the pentagram drawn by Faust does not let him in. The devil, with the help of spirits, puts the doctor to sleep and disappears while he sleeps.

The second time Mephistopheles appeared to Faust in rich clothes: in a karamzin camisole, with a cape on his shoulders and a rooster feather on his hat. The devil persuades the doctor to leave the walls of the office and go with him:

"You will be comfortable here with me,
I will fulfill any whim."

Faust agrees and signs the treaty in blood. They go on a journey, flying straight through the air on the Devil's magical cloak.

Auerbach cellar in Leipzig

Mephistopheles and Faust join the company of merry revelers. The devil treats those who drink wine. One of the revelers spills a drink on the ground and the wine catches fire. The man exclaims that it is hellfire. Those present rush at the Devil with knives, but he induces a "dope" on them - it begins to seem to people that they are in a beautiful land. At this time, Mephistopheles and Faust disappear.

witch's kitchen

Faust and Mephistopheles are waiting for the witch. Faust complains to Mephistopheles that he is tormented by sad thoughts. The devil replies that he can be distracted from any thoughts by a simple means - the conduct of an ordinary household. However, Faust is not ready to "live without scope". At the request of the Devil, the witch prepares a potion for Faust, after which the doctor's body "gains heat", and the lost youth returns to him.

Street

Faust, seeing Marguerite (Gretchen) on the street, is struck by her beauty. The Doctor asks Mephistopheles to set him up with her. The devil replies that he has just overheard her confession - she is innocent, like a small child, so the evil spirits have no power over her. Faust sets a condition: either Mephistopheles arranges their date today, or he will terminate their contract.

Evening

Margarita thinks that she would give a lot to find out who the man she met was. While the girl leaves her room, Faust and Mephistopheles leave her a gift - a jewelry box.

On a walk

Margarita's mother took the donated jewelry to the priest, as she realized that it was a gift from evil spirits. Faust orders to give Gretchen something else.

Neighbor's house

Margarita tells her neighbor Marta that she has found a second jewelry box. The neighbor advises not to say anything about the find of the mother, starting to put on jewelry gradually.

Mephistopheles comes to Martha and informs about the fictitious death of her husband, who left nothing to his wife. Marta asks if it is possible to get a paper confirming her husband's death. Mephistopheles replies that he will soon return with a friend to testify about the death, and asks Margarita to stay too, since his friend is "an excellent fellow."

Garden

Walking with Faust, Margarita tells that she lives with her mother, her father and sister have died, and her brother is in the army. The girl guesses on a camomile and gets the answer "Loves". Faust confesses his love to Marguerite.

forest cave

Faust is hiding from everyone. Mephistopheles tells the doctor that Margarita misses him very much and is afraid that Heinrich has cooled off towards her. The Devil is surprised that Faust so easily decided to give up on the girl.

Martha's Garden

Margarita shares with Faust that she really dislikes Mephistopheles. The girl thinks that he can betray them. Faust, notes the innocence of Margarita, before which the Devil is powerless: “Oh, the sensitivity of angelic guesses!” .

Faust gives Marguerite a sleeping pill so she can put her mother to sleep, and they manage to be alone longer next time.

Night. Street in front of Gretchen's house

Valentine, Gretchen's brother, decides to deal with the girl's lover. The young man is upset that she brought shame upon herself by an affair without marriage. Seeing Faust, Valentine challenges him to a duel. The doctor kills the young man. Until they are noticed, Mephistopheles and Faust hide, leave the city. Before his death, Valentine instructs Margarita, saying that the girl must protect her honor.

Cathedral

Gretchen attends a church service. Behind the girl, an evil spirit whispers to her that Gretchen is responsible for the death of her mother (not woken up from a sleeping pill) and her brother. In addition, everyone knows that a girl carries a child under her heart. Unable to withstand obsessive thoughts, Gretchen faints.

Walpurgis Night

Faust and Mephistopheles watch the coven of witches and sorcerers. Walking along the fires, they meet a general, a minister, a wealthy businessman, a writer, a junk witch, Lilith, Medusa and others. Suddenly, one of the shadows reminds of Faust Margaret, the doctor imagined that the girl was beheaded.

It's a nasty day. Field

Mephistopheles tells Faust that Gretchen has been begging for a long time and is now in prison. The doctor is in despair, he reproaches the Devil for what happened and demands that he save the girl. Mephistopheles notices that it was not he, but Faust himself who ruined Marguerite. However, after thinking, he agrees to help - the Devil will put the caretaker to sleep, and then take them away. Faust himself will have to take possession of the keys and lead Margarita out of the dungeon.

Jail

Faust enters the dungeon where Marguerite is sitting, singing strange songs. She lost her mind. Mistaking the doctor for an executioner, the girl asks to put off punishment until the morning. Faust explains that her lover is in front of her and they need to hurry. The girl is glad, but takes time, telling him that he has grown cold to her arms. Margarita tells how she lulled her mother to death and drowned her daughter in a pond. The girl is delusional and asks Faust to dig graves for her, her mother and brother. Before her death, Margarita asks for salvation from God. Mephistopheles says that she is condemned to torment, but then a voice is heard from above: “Saved!” . The girl is dying.

Part two

Act one

Imperial Palace. Masquerade

Mephistopheles in the form of a jester appears before the emperor. The Council of State begins in the throne room. The chancellor reports that the country is in decline, the state does not have enough money.

Walking garden

The devil helped the state solve the problem of lack of money by turning a scam. Mephistopheles put into circulation securities, the pledge of which was gold located in the bowels of the earth. The treasure will someday be found and will cover all expenses, but so far fooled people are paying with shares.

dark gallery

Faust, who appeared at court as a magician, informs Mephistopheles that he promised the emperor to show the ancient heroes Paris and Helen. The Doctor asks the Devil to help him. Mephistopheles gives Faust a directional key that will help the doctor penetrate the world of pagan gods and heroes.

Knight's Hall

The courtiers await the appearance of Paris and Helen. When an ancient Greek heroine appears, the ladies begin to discuss her shortcomings, but Faust is fascinated by the girl. The scene of the “abduction of Helen” by Paris is played out before the audience. Having lost his composure, Faust tries to save and keep the girl, but the spirits of the heroes suddenly evaporate.

Act two

gothic room

Faust lies in his old room motionless. The student Famulus tells Mephistopheles that the now famous scientist Wagner is still waiting for the return of his teacher Faust, and is now on the verge of a great discovery.

Medieval laboratory

Mephistopheles comes to Wagner, who is at the clumsy instruments. The scientist tells the guest that he wants to create a person, because, in his opinion, "the former children's survival for us is an absurdity, handed over to the archive." Wagner creates Homunculus.

The homunculus advises Mephistopheles to take Faust to the Walpurgis Night festival, and then flies away with the doctor and the Devil, leaving Wagner.

Classic Walpurgis Night

Mephistopheles lowers Faust to the ground, and he finally comes to his senses. The Doctor goes in search of Elena.

Act three

In front of the palace of Menelaus in Sparta

Landed on the coast of Sparta, Elena learns from the housekeeper Phorkiada that King Menelaus (Helen's husband) sent her here as a sacrifice for sacrifice. The housekeeper helps the heroine escape death by helping her escape to a nearby castle.

Castle courtyard

Helen is brought to Faust's castle. He reports that the queen now owns everything in his castle. Faust sends his troops against Menelaus, who is coming at him with a war, who wants to take revenge, and he takes refuge with Elena in the underworld.

Soon Faust and Helen have a son, Euphorion. The boy dreams of jumping so that "inadvertently reach the sky with one swoop." Faust tries to shield his son from trouble, but he asks to be left alone. Having climbed a high rock, Euphorion jumps from it and falls dead at the feet of his parents. The grieving Elena tells Faust: "The old saying comes true on me, That happiness does not get along with beauty" and, with the words "take me, O Persephone, with a boy!" hugs Faust. The woman's body disappears, and only her dress and veil remain in the man's hands. Elena's clothes turn into clouds and carry Faust away.

act four

Mountain landscape

To the rocky ridge, which was previously the bottom of the underworld, Faust swims up on a cloud. A man reflects on the fact that with the memories of love, all his purity and “the best essence” are gone. Soon, on seven-league boots, Mephistopheles flies to the rock. Faust tells Mephistopheles that his greatest desire is to build a dam on the sea and

"At any cost at the abyss
Reclaim a piece of land."

Faust asks Mephistopheles for help. Suddenly, the sounds of war are heard. The Devil explains that the emperor they previously helped is in dire straits after exposing the securities scam. Mephistopheles advises Faust to help the monarch return to the throne, for which he will be able to receive a seashore as a reward. The Doctor and the Devil help the Emperor win a resounding victory.

act five

open area

A wanderer visits the old people, the loving married couple Baucis and Philemon. Once the old people have already helped him, for which he is very grateful to them. Baucis and Philemon live by the sea, there is a bell tower and a linden grove nearby.

Castle

The aged Faust is indignant - Baucis and Philemon do not agree to leave the seashore so that he can realize his idea. Their house is exactly on the spot that now belongs to the doctor. Mephistopheles promises to deal with the old people.

Deep night

The house of Baucis and Philemon, and with it the linden grove and the belfry, were burnt down. Mephistopheles told Faust that they tried to drive the old people out of the house, but they died of fright, and the guest, resisting, was killed by the servants. The house caught fire accidentally from a spark. Faust curses Mephistopheles and the servants for deafness to his words, since he wanted a fair exchange, and not violence and robbery.

Large courtyard in front of the palace

Mephistopheles orders the lemurs (grave ghosts) to dig a grave for Faust. Blinded Faust hears the sound of shovels and decides that it is the workers who make his dream come true:

"Put a boundary to the fury of the surf
And, as if reconciling the earth with itself,
They are erecting, the rampart and embankments are being fixed.

Faust orders Mephistopheles to "recruit workers here without counting," constantly reporting to him on the progress of work. The Doctor thinks that he would like to see the days when free people work in free land, then he could exclaim: “A moment! Oh, how beautiful you are, wait a bit!” . With the words: “And anticipating this triumph, I am now experiencing the highest moment,” Faust dies.

Position in the coffin

Mephistopheles is waiting for Faust's spirit to leave his body so that he can present him with their blood-backed pact. However, angels appear and, pushing the demons away from the doctor's grave, carry the immortal essence of Faust into the sky.

Conclusion

Tragedy I. In Goethe's "Faust" is a philosophical work in which the author reflects on the eternal theme of confrontation in the world and man of good and evil, reveals the questions of man's knowledge of the secrets of the world, self-knowledge, touches on issues of power, love, honor, justice that are important at any time and many others. Today, Faust is considered one of the pinnacles of German classical poetry. The tragedy is included in the repertoire of the world's leading theaters and has been filmed many times.

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The main theme of the tragedy "Faust" by Goethe is the spiritual quest of the protagonist - the freethinker and warlock Dr. Faust, who sold his soul to the devil for gaining eternal life in human form. The purpose of this terrible treaty is to soar above reality not only with the help of spiritual exploits, but also with worldly good deeds and valuable discoveries for mankind.

History of creation

The philosophical drama for reading "Faust" was written by the author throughout his entire creative life. It is based on the most famous version of the legend of Dr. Faust. The idea of ​​writing is the embodiment in the image of the doctor of the highest spiritual impulses of the human soul. The first part was completed in 1806, the author wrote it for about 20 years, the first edition took place in 1808, after which it underwent several author's revisions during reprints. The second part was written by Goethe in his advanced years, and published about a year after his death.

Description of the work

The work opens with three introductions:

• dedication. A lyrical text dedicated to the friends of youth who made up the author's social circle during his work on the poem.
• Prologue in the theater. A lively debate between the Theater Director, the Comic Actor and the Poet on the topic of the meaning of art in society.
• Prologue in Heaven. After a discussion about the mind given by the Lord to people, Mephistopheles makes a bet with God about whether Dr. Faust can overcome all the difficulties of using his mind solely for the benefit of knowledge.

Part one

Doctor Faust, understanding the limitations of the human mind in knowing the secrets of the universe, tries to commit suicide, and only the sudden blows of the Easter Annunciation prevent him from carrying out this plan. Further, Faust and his student Wagner bring a black poodle to the house, which turns into Mephistopheles in the form of a wandering student. The evil spirit strikes the doctor with his strength and sharpness of mind and tempts the pious hermit to re-experience the joys of life. Thanks to the concluded agreement with the devil, Faust regains youth, strength and health. Faust's first temptation is his love for Marguerite, an innocent girl who later paid with her life for her love. In this tragic story, Margarita is not the only victim - her mother also accidentally dies from an overdose of sleeping pills, and her brother Valentine, who stood up for her sister's honor, will be killed by Faust in a duel.

Part two

The action of the second part takes the reader to the imperial palace of one of the ancient states. In five acts, permeated with a mass of mystical and symbolic associations, the worlds of Antiquity and the Middle Ages are intertwined in a complex pattern. The love line of Faust and the beautiful Helen, the heroine of the ancient Greek epic, runs like a red thread. Faust and Mephistopheles, through various tricks, quickly become close to the emperor's court and offer him a rather non-standard way out of the current financial crisis. At the end of his earthly life, the almost blind Faust undertakes the construction of a dam. He perceives the sound of shovels of evil spirits digging his grave on the orders of Mephistopheles as active construction work, while experiencing moments of great happiness associated with a great deed realized for the benefit of his people. It is in this place that he asks to stop the moment of his life, having the right to do so under the terms of the contract with the devil. Now hellish torments are predetermined for him, but the Lord, having appreciated the doctor's merits to humanity, makes a different decision and Faust's soul goes to heaven.

Main characters

Faust

This is not just a typical collective image of a progressive scientist - he symbolically represents the entire human race. His difficult fate and life path are not just allegorically reflected in all of humanity, they point to the moral aspect of the existence of each individual - life, work and creativity for the benefit of his people.

(On the image F. Chaliapin in the role of Mephistopheles)

At the same time, the spirit of destruction and the power to resist stagnation. A skeptic who despises human nature, confident in the worthlessness and weakness of people who are unable to cope with their sinful passions. As a person, Mephistopheles opposes Faust with disbelief in the goodness and humanistic essence of man. He appears in several guises - sometimes a joker and joker, sometimes a servant, sometimes an intellectual philosopher.

margarita

A simple girl, the embodiment of innocence and kindness. Modesty, openness and spiritual warmth attract to her a lively mind and the restless soul of Faust. Margarita is the image of a woman capable of all-encompassing and sacrificial love. It is thanks to these qualities that she receives forgiveness from the Lord, despite the crimes she has committed.

Analysis of the work

The tragedy has a complex compositional structure - it consists of two voluminous parts, the first has 25 scenes, and the second - 5 actions. The work connects the cross-cutting motif of the wanderings of Faust and Mephistopheles into a single whole. A striking and interesting feature is the three-part introduction, which is the beginning of the future plot of the play.

(Images of Johann Goethe in the work on "Faust")

Goethe thoroughly reworked the folk legend underlying the tragedy. He filled the play with spiritual and philosophical problems, in which the ideas of the Enlightenment close to Goethe find a response. The protagonist transforms from a sorcerer and alchemist into a progressive experimental scientist who rebels against scholastic thinking, which is very characteristic of the Middle Ages. The circle of problems raised in the tragedy is very extensive. It includes reflections on the secrets of the universe, the categories of good and evil, life and death, knowledge and morality.

Final conclusion

"Faust" is a unique work that touches on eternal philosophical questions along with the scientific and social problems of its time. Criticizing a narrow-minded society that lives in carnal pleasures, Goethe, with the help of Mephistopheles, simultaneously ridicules the German education system, replete with a mass of useless formalities. The unsurpassed play of poetic rhythms and melody makes Faust one of the greatest masterpieces of German poetry.

Faust is a two-part tragedy by the outstanding German poet Johann Wolfgang Goethe. This work became the work of the author's whole life - "Faust" was created for almost six decades and was finally completed a year before the death of the poet, in 1831.

Goethe created the best literary image of the semi-legendary warlock Johann Georg Faust, who lived in medieval Germany and later became the hero of numerous myths, traditions and literary interpretations. From the Book of the People, the man who sold his soul to the devil migrated to a literary translation by Pierre Caillet, then to a dramatic interpretation of the legend by Christopher Marlowe, inspired the lyricists of Sturm und Drang, and finally found its best embodiment in Goethe's tragedy Faust.

Goethe's Faust is an image-myth of the "eternal seeker". He does not stop there, he is dissatisfied with himself, and therefore he is constantly improving. He chooses not the Word, not the Thought, not the Force, but the Deed.

Today Faust is nearly two hundred years old. The tragedy has undergone many artistic interpretations and still arouses research and reader interest. So, in 2011, the latest film adaptation was released, based on the classic tragedy. The film of the same name, directed by Alexander Sokurov, is dedicated to the first part of Goethe's work. The plot here is concentrated on the love line of Faust and Gretchen (Marguerite).

Let's remember the classic version of the tragedy "Faust" by Johann Goethe.

The tragedy begins with an argument in the theatre. The director, comic actor and poet talk about the role of art in modern society. Each of them has their own truth. For the Director, theatrical art is, first of all, a way to earn money, and therefore he is guided by the tastes of the crowd. In his opinion, it is good that brings the people to recklessness, makes them storm the theater doors, like the gates of paradise, and, therefore, brings money.

The comedian has not seen any high mission in art for a long time. It should bring joy and fun to a person, and it is best to do this by making the audience laugh.

The poet categorically disagrees with his opponents. He calls everyone like them "talentless crooks", "artisans", and not creators. Outward brilliance, the poet is convinced, is designed for moments - "but the truth passes into generations."

… At the same time they were arguing in Heaven. A quarrel arose between God and the Devil. Mephistopheles (aka the Devil, Fallen Angel) argued that a person is unable to use God's gift - the mind. The Lord did not share the point of view of the main representative of the dark forces and cited as an example Dr. Faust, the smartest of mortals. He expanded the boundaries of the human mind and continues to strive for self-improvement.

Mephistopheles volunteers to tempt God's favorite while he is alive. So, if Faust succumbs to the Devil, then his soul will go to hell. If not, he will ascend to heaven.

The first acquaintance with Faust will take place in his office. This is an old room. Cabinets lined with books, bottles of potions, outlandish mechanisms rise along its walls. The majestic table and armchair are conducive to mental work, and the Gothic vaulted ceiling gives space for the flight of thought. However, the pacifying office peace no longer satisfies Dr. Faust. He is deeply unhappy.

Faust lived a long life among books, he strained his brain to the limit, worked day and night, comprehended philosophy, became a lawyer, a doctor, penetrated the secrets of theology, but ... he remained "a fool of fools."

In search of truth, Faust turns to alchemy. That evening, he summons a powerful spirit, but, frightened by a super-being, he does not dare to ask him questions that interest him. With the appearance of Wagner on the threshold, the spirit disappears.

Wagner is Faust's neighbor, an enthusiastic scholar, one of his students. The doctor is disgusted by the literalist Wagner, who sees nothing beyond the lines of a book. “Parchments do not quench thirst. / The key of wisdom is not on the pages of books. / Whoever is torn to the secrets of life by each thought, / Finds their spring in his soul.”

Having sent out the hated Wagner, Faust decides on a desperate act - to drink poison and end his senseless existence. But he is stopped by a choir of angels - Holy Pascha has begun. The doctor puts aside the poison and bitterly thanks the heavenly choristers.

"I am part of the power of that which is without number
He does good, wishing evil to everything"

Wagner and Faust go for a walk to the city gates. The people are in festive excitement. Seeing Dr. Faust, everyone takes off their hats in gratitude, one by one they invite the doctor to the celebrations. Both Faust and his father treated the townspeople for many years, fearlessly fought the plague and smallpox. However, Faust is not at all proud of his fame among the peasants. He calls his father an "unsociable original", a fanatical scientist who, with his experimental drugs, killed as many people as he saved.

On the way, a black poodle follows Faust. Taking the dog with him, Faust sits down to translate the New Testament. The very first line makes him doubt. After much deliberation, Faust replaces the canonical "In the beginning was the Word" with "In the beginning was the Deed".

At this time, the black poodle begins to behave strangely. An experienced alchemist immediately understands that this is a werewolf. Unaware of what kind of creature is hiding under the dog's disguise, Faust reads the spell, and then takes out the "victory sign" (a sign depicting the initial letters of Jesus Christ). In the next moment, the poodle turns into Mephistopheles.

Mad Deal
The Devil offers Faust to make a deal. He is ready to reveal to him all the charms of life, to become his servant, to endow his ward with supernatural abilities. But as soon as Faust utters the words “Stop, a moment, you are beautiful!”, The doctor’s earthly life will end and Satan will get his soul.

Faust agrees to a risky venture, since the afterlife does not interest him at all, only the thirst for truth matters to him. The treaty is sealed with blood. Faust and Mephistopheles go on a journey on the devil's cloak.

Now Faust is young and full of life again. Together with Mephistopheles, he visits various hot spots, has fun, revels, but the first and main test is the test of love.

As a victim, Mephistopheles chooses the immaculate peasant woman Margarita (aka Gretchen). Young people immediately fall in love with each other. With the help of various magical tricks, Mephistopheles arranges dates for Gretchen and Faust. The girl is wary of the mysterious friend of her lover, the rich gifts that she is showered with, she sees in them something vicious, diabolical. However, the inexperienced soul of Margarita is unable to cope with the all-consuming feeling of love.

She gives a sleeping potion to her strict mother and runs away for nightly dates with Faust. Soon, Gretchen's older brother Valentine finds out about the vicious relationship. Standing up for the honor of his sister, he dies in an unequal battle with Satan. The girl's mother is also dying - another dose of sleeping pills killed the old woman. And Margarita kills her illegitimate daughter, for which she is imprisoned.

After all the tragic events, Faust discovers his beloved in a prison cell. Gretchen is mad, her speech is incoherent. Faust conjures his beloved to run away with him, but Gretchen is unshakable - she will stay and take punishment in order to atone for her sins. Seeing Mephistopheles, the girl screams - now she sees his true appearance - he is Satan, the serpent tempter!

Leaving the prison cell, the Devil exclaims “She is forever dead!”, But a voice from above proclaims “Saved!” The repentant soul of Margarita ascends to heaven.

For some time, Faust is sad about his former lover, but soon he has a new object of adoration - the beautiful Elena, who lives in Ancient Greece. Mephistopheles transfers the doctor several centuries back and arranges his meeting with the beauty.

Faust appears before Elena in the form of a wise husband, a handsome man, a valiant warrior. The fruit of their happy union is the son of Euphorion - the most beautiful creature. But the young man leaves his parents. Drawn by struggle and exploits, he rushes to heaven, leaving a luminous trail behind him. Inconsolable beautiful Elena. Happiness, she says, does not get along with beauty. Elena melts in the arms of her beloved, leaving him only fragrant clothes as a memory of herself.

End of the Road: Enlightenment and Salvation

"Instant!
You are wonderful, stay, stay! ”

Faust is old and disappointed again. He never found the truth. Numerous projects of Mephistopheles (a scam with securities, the seizure of new lands, balls, carnivals, etc.) do not occupy the doctor. He caught fire with only one dream - to build a dam and win back a piece of land from the ocean.

Finally, Faust manages to assemble a team and start construction. He is not even stopped by sudden blindness. Inspired, he seems to have felt for the first time the meaning of life: “I will create a vast, new land / And let millions of people live here / ... The final conclusion of earthly wisdom: / Only he is worthy of life and freedom, / Who every day goes to the battle!" In anticipation of “his highest moment,” Faust utters the fateful words “Stop, moment, you are beautiful!” and falls dead.

The poor blind man did not suspect that the construction of the new region had not begun. Lemurs, incited by Mephistopheles, thundered with shovels and picks. The devil triumphs - finally, the soul of Faust will get to him! However, during the burial, heavenly angels take the immortal part of Faust and take it to heaven. He has matured. Got to know the truth. So he is saved!

Faust- Doctor, scientist. He is in constant search for the truth. Selflessly believes in God. Agrees to a deal with the devil.
Mephistopheles was one of the angels of the Lord. Soon he became the embodiment of evil spirits. Signs an agreement with Faust, promising to show him all the delights of life.
Marguerite (Gretchen)- a very young girl with whom Faust falls in love. She, too, will be crazy about him. She will trust him, but Satan will oppose their further relationship, so she will be left alone, with a child in her arms. He will destroy his daughter and mother. Go to jail and be sentenced to death.

Other heroes

Wagner- a student of Faust. Being in old age, he will be on the threshold of the greatest discoveries. With the help of experiments, he will create a human Homunculus.
Martha Margaret's neighbor. They walked together, discussed their beloved men, went on dates with Mephistopheles and Faust.
Valentine- Margarita's brother, whom the unclean himself will kill. After all, the guy wants to avenge the desecrated honor of his sister.
Elena- another beloved Faust. Came from ancient times. It was she who was nicknamed Elena the Beautiful, and because of her the Trojan War broke out. Faust will reciprocate. She will bear him a son, Euphorion. After he dies, she will forever disappear from the life of her beloved, arguing that she is not destined to be happy.
Euphorion Helen and Faust's son. He always aspired to be the first to fight, he wanted to fly under the clouds. She will die, which will forever convince her mother that she will not see happiness.

Retelling of the drama "Faust" by Goethe

dedication

The author reminisces about his youth. The old days brought back different emotions. Sometimes it's nice to revive old friends. Some have already left this world. He is sad, he says that he cannot hold back his tears.

Prologue in the theater

There is a conversation between the director of the theater and the poet and comedian, which is more like a dispute. Everyone expresses his own point of view about the purpose of theatrical art. The opinions of the authors of the texts are completely different. But the leader is not interested in this, he says that the main thing is the hall, full of spectators. And whether they are full or hungry, he does not care.

Prologue in Heaven

Conversation of the Lord, the Archangels and Mephistopheles. The forces of light report to God that life on earth goes on as usual, day changes into night, the sea rages, thunder rumbles. Only Mephistopheles says that people suffer, some sin uncontrollably. God doesn't want to believe it. They conclude a dispute that a certain learned Faust, impeccably fulfilling the will of God, will succumb to the temptation, accepting the offer of the devil himself.

PART ONE

Scene 1-4

Faust laments that he comprehended many sciences, but remained a fool. All because he failed to understand where the truth is hidden. He decides to resort to magical powers in order to know all the mysteries of nature. The doctor leafs through the spell book, fixing his gaze on one of them, and then says it aloud.

The magic worked. A flame breaks out, and a certain Spirit appears before the scientist. Soon Wagner, a student of Faust, will enter the house. His views on all kinds of sciences contradict the point of view of his mentor.

Faust is confused, he is overcome by depression. He decides to take a bowl of poison, but church bells are ringing, which are reminiscent of Easter. And now he is walking with his guest along the streets, where the locals show him their respect. The teacher and his student return to the house, followed by a black poodle. Suddenly, a young man appears before them, who seems to Faust much smarter than Wagner. That's what it is

Mephistopheles

He puts the doctor to sleep with the help of evil spirits. The next time he appears in the form of a city dandy, and signs an agreement with Faust, sealed with blood. Satan promises to help the scientist to know everything that is not clear to him. In return, he will demand from him the same devoted service after death, when he goes to hell.

Wagner enters the house and starts talking about what he wants to be in the future. Mephistopheles advises him to learn metaphysics. On a huge cloak of the devil, Faust and his mentor set off on a journey to a new life. The doctor is young, full of strength and energy.

SCENE 5-6

Faust and his faithful servant arrive in Leipzig. First of all, they visit the Auberbach tavern, where visitors drink tirelessly and enjoy a carefree life. There, the devil insults people, and they rush with their fists at visiting guests. Mephistopheles puts a veil over their eyes, and it seems to them that they are on fire. Meanwhile, the instigators of magical events disappear.

Then they find themselves in the Witch's cave, where the monkeys serving her are brewing an unknown drug in huge cauldrons. Mephistopheles tells his comrade-in-arms that if he wants to live long, he will have to become related to the earth, pull a plow, fertilize, raise cattle, or turn to witches. The old woman conjures over him, gives him a magic potion to drink.

Scene 7-10

On the street, Faust meets Marguerite, but she rejects his offer to guide her to the house. Then he asks Mephistopheles to contribute so that the girl belongs to him, otherwise he will terminate their contract. The devil says that she is only 14 years old and she is completely sinless, but this does not stop the doctor. He gives her expensive gifts, secretly leaving them in her room.

Satan appears at the house of Martha, who is Marguerite's neighbor, and tells her the sad story of her missing husband's death, naming himself and Faust as witnesses to the event. Thus, he prepares women for the arrival of his ward.

SCENE 11-18

Marguerite is in love with Faust. Yes, and he has tender feelings for her. They look forward to new meetings. The girl asks him about religion, about what faith he chose for himself. She also tells her lover that she really doesn't like Mephistopheles. She senses that he is in danger. She asks Faust to go to confession and pray. She herself, feeling that her relationship with her new neighbor is sinful, often attends church and asks for repentance from the Virgin Mary.

In the district, her obscene behavior is already being discussed in full, understanding the true intentions of Faust. They condemn her, and they want to pour cuts on the threshold, thus stigmatizing her. She herself mourns her fate.

Scene 19-25

Brother Gretchen (Margarita) always told his friends that there was no one more righteous than his sister in the whole district. Now his friends are laughing at him. Margarita sinned before marriage. Now Valentine intends to take revenge by participating in a duel. Mephistopheles kills him.

After that, he, with Faust and the Wandering Fire, rush to the celebration of Walpurgis Night. There are witches and wizards. They all gathered on Mount Broken. Far from the crowd, Faust sees a pale maiden. This is Gretchen. She wandered the earth for a long time, and now she is suffering terrible torment.
Her lover demands from Satan to save the girl. He himself tries to help, but she does not follow him, claiming that his lips are cold. She reveals that she killed her mother and her newborn daughter. She does not want to go with her beloved, and Satan hurries to take him alone.

PART TWO

Act one

Faust basks in a flowering meadow. He still executes himself for the death of Margarita. Spirits soothe his soul with their singing. Soon, he and Mephistopheles will be in the royal court. There they learn from the treasurer that only at first glance everything looks rich, but in fact the treasury resembles an empty water pipe.

Government spending far exceeds revenues. The authorities and the people have resigned themselves to the inevitable, and are simply waiting for everything to be swallowed up by devastation. Then Satan invites them to hold a carnival on a grand scale, and then look for a way out.

He will fool their heads with yet another hoax by creating bonds to make them rich. But this won't last long. A performance is taking place in the imperial palace, where Faust will meet Elena the Beautiful from an ancient era. With the help of Mephistopheles, he will be able to penetrate past civilizations. But soon Elena will disappear without a trace, and the ward of the devil will suffer from unrequited love.

Action two

In the former study of Faust, Mephistopheles is talking with Famulus, a learned minister. He talks about the already aged Wagner, who is on the verge of the greatest discovery. He manages to create a new human Homunculus. It is he who advises Satan to take Faust to another world.

Act Three

Elena must be sacrificed. Entering the king's castle, she does not yet know about it. There she meets Faust, who is in love with her. They are overly glad that the feelings of each of them are mutual. They have a son Euphorion. Since childhood, he dreamed not only of jumping and frolicking, he asked his parents to let him go to heaven. Their prayers did not deter their son, and he soared up, to battle, to new victories. The guy dies, and the mother cannot survive such grief, and disappears from Faust's life, simply evaporating.

act four

High mountain range. Mephistopheles prophesies to Faust that he will build a city. In one part of it there will be filth, crowding and fetid markets. And the other part will be buried in luxury. But that will be later. Now they are waiting for the kingdom, where counterfeit bonds were put into use.

Act Five

Faust dreams of building a dam. He has noticed the earth for a long time. But the old people Philemon and Baucis live there, not wanting to leave their homes. The devil and his servants kill them. Care, leading philosophical conversations with Faust, unable to withstand his bickering, sends blindness to him. Exhausted, he falls asleep.

Through a dream, the old man hears the sound of picks, shovels. He is confident that it has already begun work on the realization of his dream. In fact, it is the devil's associates who are already digging his grave. Not seeing this, the doctor is happy that work unites people. And at that moment he utters words that speak of achieving the highest pleasure, and falls back.

Mephistopheles fails to take possession of his soul. She is picked up by the angels of the Lord. He was cleansed, and now he will not burn in hell. Forgiveness was also received by Margarita, who became the guide of her beloved in the kingdom of the dead.