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Faust: Outside the City Gate

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Summary

It is Easter Sunday, and the commoners bustle about, concerned with the things that concern them at different times in their lives. Faust and Wagner have a stroll and a conversation in the waning afternoon; they seem out of place. Wagner is uncomfortable as he "can't abide the least vulgarity" (l. 721) and Faust's presence seems to be an event, suggesting that he rarely comes out of his apartment. Faust is recognized and praised as the fearless son of a great doctor. Faust drinks from a cup that is proffered, and he and Wagner continue on their way. Wagner observes that Faust should be proud of the esteem that the commoners show him. The latter believes that he is undeserving of their praise, for he and his father killed many more people than they helped, a result, perhaps, of a prideful arrogance.

Faust still relishes something beyond his book knowledge, though it remains ambiguous. He seems to crave something elemental in Nature, unfettered by the constraints of reason (cf. ll. 888-891). This talk worries Wagner who cautions Faust against it. Faust then sees a black poodle following them. It seems lost and well trained. Faust brings it with them as they enter the city.

Notes

The Significance of Easter in Christian Beliefs(Roman Catholic Church)

The Roman Catholic Church views Easter as a time of resurrection closely associated with the rebirth of the Christ. It is also a period of introspection where the individual should examine what is keeping them from being close to God and try to eliminate it.

Lines 585-660

St. Andrews Eve, as it should be noted, is a time for young lovers to consult the occult (ie. fourtunetellers and such) about who to be interested in. This could be seen as a bit of foreshadowing on the part of Goethe as the Friend of the Burgher's Daughter says that she "shall never find him" referring to the love that the fortunetellers told her about. (line 660)

Lines 680-717 Faust's Description of Seasons

Faust's description personify the workings of the world with such phrases as, "White-bearded winter, old and frail, retreats into his mountain fastness" and "But the sun can bear with white no longer". This lends even more to the prevalent Wiccan-esque view of the universe that is fostered in the play mainly by Fausts's study of the Black Arts.

Faust's Dissatisfaction With His Lineage Lines784-833

Lastly, Faust envies the townspeople's humble, unthinking acceptance of the world. His highly developed spiritual side will not allow him to follow the townspeople's example. (Milch)

Study Questions

  1. What was the reasoning for Faust and Wagner’s visit outside the city’s gate?
  2. What animal does Faust aqcuire at the end of this scene? What is its significance later?
  3. Is Faust well respected in society? How does he feel about his status?
  4. What is the significance of the current date in this scene?
  5. Why does Faust pursue something "beyond his book knowledge"?
  6. Describe the duality that exists in Faust's soul.
  7. What does Faust notice about the animal he decides to adopt?
  8. Is there meaning behind Faust and Wagner's meeting of the animal?

External Resources

Works Cited

< Night | Faust Summary, Commentary, Notes | Faust's Study (1) >

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