Faust
Synopsis
History
Timeline
Themes
References in Popular Culture
Devil
Mephistopheles is Goethe's devil. The devil is a fallen angel that became evil.
Easter
Easter symbolizes rebirth of Christ. The bells begin to chime and the chorus begins singing songs of praise right at the time Faist is about to drink posion to kill himself. By hearing the chorus, Faust comes out of his stuper and does not go through with the act. This is like rebirth; Faust was so close to death but then he comes back to reality.
Critical Perspectives
Just as Satin tempts Faust he also tempts priests. Faust is tempted by the devil. The devil is willing to do anything for Faust to make him happy except make moral decisions. The devil becomes Faust’s servant. He does so to get Faust’s soul, this occurs when Faust is finally truly happy. As soon as Faust becomes happy he will die and the devil will get his soul. Priests are also tempted by the devil in the way of their vow for celibacy. Many priests are sexually tempted to sin and indulge their mortal yearning. Although they know that this indulgence is sin, the devil makes the opportunity appear very promising and pleasurable. Faust has the same problem; the devil says he will do anything for him to please him. Faust believes he can withstand the devil’s temptations to become perfectly happy so he accepts the devil’s challenge. Faust begins with having the devil make him young again and then he sees a beautiful young lady and demands that she be his. Then failing to see the devil’s trickery, he gives in to the devil’s demise and “deflowers” her and she becomes pregnant. Faust then leaves and she goes crazy in her jail cell. Priests are often subjected to public reproach after committing their sins. Faust’s sin was not the sin that the lord and the devil bet on. Faust did not find a moment that he wanted to linger. The devil fails to tempt Faust enough to take his soul.