Faust: Gretchen's Room

Summary

In this scene Gretchen is alone at her spinning wheel. The song she is singing reflects her state of mind. Gretchen's innocence is gone, the peace she knew before Faust has diminished. "My heart's heavy, My peace is gone"(15.3201-3202). Gretchen is awaiting Faust to return-"Him, only him, I'm looking for"(15.3206-3207). In her turmoil she still pines for him.

Study Questions

Why can't Gretchen see how wrong Faust has treated her? When did Faust leave Gretchen? How long did Faust and Gretchen carry on thier relationship? Did Mephistopheles put Gretchen under a love/desire spell for Faust? Is Gretchen sad in this song or is it a love sonnet?

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.