Faust: Witch's Kitchen
Summary
The Witch’s Kitchen is a pivotal point of the story because it is the first time that Faust chooses to sin, and therefore, does the Devil’s bidding. His intent is to find “some sort of balm, some potent elixer,” (2139) that will “cancel thirty years, unbow (his) back” (2135). However, he is revolted by “all this crazy witchery” (2130) especially when he realizes that the cure rests in the hands of “an ancient hag” (2133) and asks Mephistopheles if there is another way. Mephisto sarcastically replies that there is another way, a more natural way to restore his youth, but that he does not believe that Faust would be interested in digging in the fields. Faust agrees that “Yes, not my sort of thing, I’m afraid; Humbling myself to work with a spade; so straightened a life would never suit me” (2154-6). After the grim facts are laid out, Faust is resigned to drink the potion. While it is being prepared and Mephisto is conversing with the Apes, Faust comes upon a mirror. As he peers in, he sees a “vision of beauty” and desperately ask that “Love show (him) the way to the heaven she dwells in!”(2226). He is so spellbound by the beautiful creature and is desperate to see if “such a marvel (can) inhibit down here” (2234) that he doesn’t realize the Devil’s work. Mephisto created the mirror as a way to tempt Faust by showing him something he never thought he could have. The mirror reflects Faust’s dormant desire and consumes him to the point that he says, “I feel as if my insides are on fire! Come, we’ve got to get out of here” (2257-8). At this outburst, Mephisto just blows him off and continues with his conversation until the Witch, Sibyl, comes riding down the flame. After a brief ruckus, Sibyl recognizes Mephisto and gleefully addresses him as Satan. Immediately Mephisto chastises her and explains that since Satan is connected to mythology and because that has not improved the temper of humanity, he prefers to be addressed as Baron. Once the pleasantries are out of the way, the witch goes through the crazy ritual of serving the potion. After Faust drinks the brew, he asks to be able to look in the mirror one last time. Mephisto says, “No, no, soon enough you’ll behold in the flesh the fairest women that ever drew breath” (2393-4). He then mutters to himself that “old Jack will soon see a Helen in every Jill” (2395-6); meaning that the potion will make any female appear beautiful to Faust.
Notes
Commentary
Study Questions
1) What events have made Faust afraid of Witches?
2) If Faust thinks that witches are crazy, why would he trust her with a potion?
3) What are the "pinions" that Faust refers to?
4) Why is it important that the pot is constantly stirred?
5) What is the significance of the "red doublet" worn by Mephisto?