Faust: Prologue in Heaven

Summary

Patterned on the Book of Job, the Lord and the Heavenly Host converse with Mephistopheles. The Archangels, Raphael, Gabriel, and Michael first praise creation, remarking on its order, continuity, mystery, and power. Implicit in their praise is the presence of light: a symbol of reason. While the Archangels speak in an elevated tone, Mephistopheles apologizes for his "lack of eloquence" (l. 33). The latter then suggests that humanity find the world a difficult place, despite its brilliant design. Man abuses Reason, seeking to soar ever higher, but always finding himself in stark reality. The implication of his speech impunes the Lord's creation by suggesting that humans can be easily turned from the light because they are so pathetic (there seems to be an insect/worm motif throughout Faust when describing humans). The Lord agrees to allow Mephistopheles to tempt Faust, and He futher agrees not to interfere: "As long as man strives, he is bound to err" (l. 77), but that a "good man still knows which road is the right one" (l. 89).

Works Cited

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Faust Summary, Commentary, Notes