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 into 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). The text that we read in today's translation is "In the begining was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God" (John 1:1). 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 143). 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 143).