Faust: Faust's Study (1): Difference between revisions

As Faust enters his study, he gives the poodle a pillow to rest on, as he translates the book of John to German. He starts out in John chapter 1, verse 1. "In the begining was the Word-so goes the text. And right off I'm given pause" (l. 1004-1005). It seems in this passage that Faust may be doubting the supreme being of God and his word. This next passage is another example of Faust's doubt. I'm unable to see the ''word'' as having supreme value (1. 1006-1007). The Greek term for "word" is logos. Faust argues that a mere word cannot have such great significance (Gray). Faust didn't want to use the term "word" in the passage. He tried thinking of several other terms to put in place of "word". He tries the term "power". He finaly decided on the phrase 'Im Anfang war die Tat!' Translated means 'In the begining was the deed' (Gray).  

As Faust is working on translating the Gospel of John to German, the poodle transforms into a bigger dog, growing larger before Faust eyes. Spirts outside start banging on the door to try to get in. Faust then tries to defend himself by using The Spell of the Four Elements (l. 1054). Then the poodle transforms into Mephisto. Mephisto is dressed as a traveling scholar. When Mephisto tries to leave Faust's study, he relizes that he can't because there is a pentagram at the door. Faust offers a suggestion that Mepisto can get out by going out the window. Mephisto states that the devils have to leave the way they came in (l. 1196).