Faust: A Cavern in the Forest

Summary

Faust is showing his appreciation to the "Earth Spirit" for giving him "the power to feel"(14.3030) rather than just being an observer as before. As the reader, we know the "Earth Spirit" is not responsible for this gift. Mephistopheles, the "devil", has given Faust this onset of emotions. Mephistopheles is tired of "this mooning about"(14.3065) over Gretchen. Mephistopheles is determined to get Faust onto new experiences--"All right; but enough's enough, on to the new!"(14.3067). As the plan, Mephistopheles makes Faust anxious to see Gretchen again. Faust gets angry when Mephistopheles decribes what has become of Gretchen--"Sometimes she's cheerful, mostly she's downhearted(14.3133)...And loves you always in despite"(14.3136). Mephistopheles comments to Faust-"I'd rate your progress as a devil pretty fair"(14.3186).

Study Questions

What is Faust doing alone in the cave before Mephistopheles arrives? Has Faust still been communicating with the "Earth Spirit" that was introduced in the beginning of the play? Was Faust "communing with nature" or was he "relieving himself of sexual tension?" How could Faust be so ignorant about what position he would put Gretchen in after he had his way with her? He was a very smart man, how could he not see the reprecussions of his actions? Why did it take Mephistopheles to expose this? What was the real reason behind Mephistopheles telling Faust of Gretchen's downfall? Why did he want Faust to see Grecthen again? Who is acting more of a devil, Mephistopheles or Faust?

Works Cited

Dieckmann, Liselotte. Goethe’s Faust: A Critical Reading. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, 1972

Macneice, Louis. Goethe’s Faust. New York: Oxford UP, 1971.

Smeed, J.W. Faust in Literature. New York: Oxford UP, 1971.