Goethe Faust message about the work. Images of the main characters of the tragedy "Faust" by Goethe

This term has other meanings, see Faust (meanings). Faust Faust ... Wikipedia

Faust (Goethe's tragedy)

Faust- Faust, Johann Portrait of Anonymous Faust German artist XVII century Date of birth: approximately 1480 Place of birth ... Wikipedia

Faust, Johann- Portrait of an anonymous German Faust artist XVII century Date of birth: approximately 1480 Place of birth: Knitlingen ... Wikipedia

Faust, Johann Georg- This article should be wikified. Please, format it according to the rules for formatting articles. "Faust" redirects here; see also other meanings ... Wikipedia

Faust (disambiguation)- Faust ambiguous term Contents 1 Name and surname 1.1 Most famous 2 Works of art... Wikipedia

Faust- Johann the Doctor, a warlock who lived in the first half of the 16th century. in Germany, legendary biography which was already formed in the era of the Reformation and for several centuries has been the subject of numerous works European literature. Life data... Literary Encyclopedia

Faust (play)- Faust Faust "Faust". First edition, 1808 Genre: tragedy

Faust VIII- Faust and Eliza Faust VIII one of acting characters anime and manga Shaman King Contents 1 General 2 Character ... Wikipedia

Tragedy - big shape drama, a dramatic genre opposed to comedy (see), specifically resolving the dramatic struggle by the inevitable and necessary death of the hero and distinguished by the special nature of the dramatic conflict. T. has as its basis not ... Literary Encyclopedia

Books

• Faust: A Tragedy, Goethe Johann Wolfgang. The tragedy "Faust" is the work of the whole life of the great German poet I.-V. Goethe. The first sketches date back to 1773, last scenes written in the summer of 1831. Dr. Faust - a historical person, a hero ... Buy for 491 rubles
• Faust. Tragedy, Johann Wolfgang Goethe. The tragedy of `Faust` is the life work of the great German poet I.-V. Goethe. The first sketches date back to 1773, the last scenes were painted in the summer of 1831. Doctor Faust is a historical person, a hero...

The plot is based on the legend of a medieval magician and a warlock.
John Faust. He was a real person, but already with his
life began to add up legends about him.
In Faust, Goethe expressed in figurative poetic form his understanding of
life. Faust is undoubtedly a living person with passions and feelings inherent in
other people. But being a bright and outstanding personality, Faust is by no means
is not the epitome of perfection. Faust's path is difficult. First he
proudly challenges the cosmic forces, summoning the spirit of the earth and hoping
compete with him in strength. The life of Faust, which unfolds before the reader
Goethe - this is the path of tireless quest.
Faust's father was a doctor, he instilled in him a love of science and raised him
desire to serve people. But the doctor's father was powerless against
diseases affecting people. During the plague, young Faust, seeing that
paternal means can not stop the flow of deaths, turned with hot
prayer to heaven. But help did not come from there either. Then Faust once and for all
decided that it was useless to seek help from God. After this Faust
devoted himself to science.
This backstory of Faust we learn in the course of action. We are with the hero
we'll meet when he's done a big life path and came to
conclusion about the futile efforts. Faust's despair is so deep that
he wants to commit suicide. But at this moment he hears the pleas
people and decides to stay alive.
IN critical moment Mephistopheles meets on Faust's path. Here
you need to return to one of the scenes that precede the beginning of the action - to the Prologue
in the sky. In it, the Lord, surrounded by angels, meets with Mephistopheles.
The inhabitant of hell Mephistopheles embodies evil. The whole scene symbolizes the struggle
good and evil going on in the world.
Mephistopheles completely denies any dignity for a person.
The Lord recognizes that man is far from perfection, but still in the final
way to get out of the darkness. As such a person, the Lord
calls Faust. Mephistopheles asks permission to prove that Faust is easy
lead astray from the true path. The dispute between Mephistopheles and God is a dispute about
the nature and value of man.
The appearance of Mephistopheles before Faust is not accidental. Mephistopheles is not
looks like a devil from naive folk tales. The image created by Goethe is full
deep philosophical meaning. Goethe, however, does not depict Mephistopheles
solely the embodiment of evil. He's actually "diabolically" smart.
Mephistopheles does not allow Faust to calm down. Pushing Faust to the bad, he,
without expecting it, awakens the best sides the nature of the hero.
Faust, demanding from Mephistopheles the fulfillment of all his desires, puts
condition:
As soon as I glorify a separate moment,
Screaming: "A moment, wait!" -
It's over and I'm your prey
And I have no escape from the trap.
The first thing he offers him is to visit a tavern where they feast
students. He hopes that Faust, simply put, will indulge in drunkenness and
forget about his quests. But Faust is disgusted by the company of bastards, and
Mephistopheles suffers his first defeat. Then he cooks him a second
trial. With the help of witchcraft charms, he returns his youth.
Mephistopheles hopes that the young Faust will indulge in feelings.
Indeed, the first beautiful girl, seen by Faust, excites
his desire, and he demands from the devil that he immediately grant him
beauty. Mephistopheles helps him meet Margarita, hoping that
Faust in her arms will find something beautiful moment which he wants
extend to infinity. But even here the devil turns out to be beaten.
If at first Faust's attitude to Marguerite was only crudely sensual,
then very soon it is replaced by more and more true love ...
Of course a lot, but for that everything is clear))

In this tragedy, we see three actions of the introduction. The first describes the close friendship of Goethe's once living friends, all those with whom he worked on the work "Faust".

In the next act, we see a dispute between three members of the society working in the theater, but occupying different positions.

The director claims that the main thing is service: jokes, situations, passions. The comedian agrees with him. The poet sees everything from the other side, he is against the use of art as entertainment.

At the end of the dispute, the director disperses everyone to their jobs.

The archangels glorify the Lord for his miracles, but Mephistopheles does not agree with them, explaining that life is very difficult for people. He says that God gave them reason in vain, but the Lord, pointing to Faust, explains that people can learn to use reason. The Lord gives Faust to Mephistopheles to make sure of his words. The game of good and evil begins.

Faust is a great scientist. He, littered with his instruments and scrolls, is trying to comprehend all the secrets of creation and the laws of the world. Faust is not sure that he will understand everything and whether he will understand anything at all, despite the fact that

he owns many sciences, among which: medicine, jurisprudence, philosophy and theology. He makes attempts to communicate with the spirits, who once again explain to Faust that all his actions are insignificant. The scientist comes to visit his friend - Wagner (student), but this visit does not bring joy to Faust. The schoolboy annoys the scientist a little with his stupidity and pomposity, and Faust puts him out the door. Faust is overshadowed by the realization of futility, because his whole life was put on something that he could not comprehend. Faust wants to drink poison, but at that moment the Easter holiday begins and Faust does not dare to die in it.

People are walking, all classes and generations are gathered here. Free communication of people, funny jokes, bright colors colors, all this makes it possible for Faust to join the walking group of townspeople. Wagner walks with the scientist. In the city, Faust is a fairly revered person, everyone admires his success in medicine, but still this does not calm the scientist. He wants to know all the mysteries, earthly and unearthly, in order to be able to get close to the truth itself. On the way, they notice a beautiful poodle, Faust takes him to him. The scientist again gains strength and studies the new testament. The doctor tries to translate it, and he translated the first line as "In the beginning it was business." The poodle, like any other dog, is very active and constantly distracts its new owner.

Mephistopheles descends from heaven in the form of a student. For Wagner, the new interlocutor is not very interesting. The student laughs at people and, after putting Faust to sleep, disappears.

Mephistopheles soon visits the scientist again. This time he appears in the form of a dandy and persuades Faust to sign an agreement on giving his soul to the devil. Mephistopheles takes the scientist on a journey on his cloak. Faust is younger and stronger. He falls in love with Margarita, but soon it ends in tragedy.

Mephistopheles brings Faust to the German Imperial Palace.

Faust is resting in the meadow. He is still worried about the death of his beloved and he executes himself for her death.

The grandeur of the imperial palace is a cover for the poverty of the townspeople. Mephistopheles is a devil, and in order to improve the mood of people, he distributes papers to everyone on which it is written that the treasury will issue the amount that is written on it. Soon all this will certainly clear up, but for now everyone is rejoicing and feasting. Everyone reveres the devil and the doctor, because poverty is over. Mephistopheles gives Faust a key that lets the doctor into the unknown magical land fairy tale characters.

The doctor snatches out two girls from this country, he explains to them that one of them is so beautiful that she is perfect woman, the goddess of beauty. But soon the women disappear as they were caused by an illusion.

Faust is sad.

Room decorated in gothic style. This is where Mephistopheles brings Faust. This room is the doctor's former laboratory. Disorder is everywhere. Having driven away the scientist's students, he notices only one in the farthest corner. The student is trying to create a man in a flask. The experience is going well. Mephistopheles and Homunculus drag Faust to another world. The Doctor is fascinated by the beauties of this world, they whirl in beautiful visions. Homuncle reports that he will never be able to understand happiness with peace.

The next scene shows Helen at the door of Menelaus' palace.

She doesn't know what to expect. Elena must accept her death, but fog comes and she finds herself in the palace and meets Faust. The Doctor falls in love with Elena and their first child, Euphorion, is born. Euphorion soon disappears. In parting, they hug and Elena disappears.

Mephistopheles returns Faust to real time and offers him a celebrity. Faust rejects his proposals. The doctor wants to build his world somewhere in the ocean on a small island, Mephistopheles does not give him this opportunity, explaining that the king over whom they scammed gave money to the townspeople and is now in serious danger and needs help.

The devil and the doctor help the king.

Faust still wants to get what he previously asked the devil. But in the place that he chose, Phelemon and Baucis live. Faust offers the old men another house, but the hut dwellers refuse. Faust asks Mephistopheles for help and he solves his problem in his own style. The guards kill the old men, and the guest who happens to be visiting at that moment suffers the same fate, and they burn the hut to the ground. Faust is overshadowed by the actions of Mephistopheles.

Faust is old and blind, still drawn to the desire to build a dam. He hears that the work is going on and soon his dream will come true. But all this is a mirage, a joke of Mephistopheles. The dam is not being built; Faust's grave is being dug in this place.

Faust understands that he then translated the New Testament correctly, and as soon as he thought about it, he fell into a hole.

The devil rejoices, but the angels descended from heaven take away Faust, because he has seen the light of the soul. In paradise, he meets Gretchen. She accompanies him on a new path...

Composition

The work opens with a lyrical dedication. The poet sadly recalls the irrevocable time of youth, when he decided to write his poem. He dedicates the introduction to the poem to relatives and friends of his youth, to those who have already died or are far away: “You are again with me, misty visions that flashed to me in my youth for a long time ...” The poet gratefully recalls “everyone who lived that radiant noon” .

After the "Initiation" follows the "Theatrical introduction", not directly related to the plot of the poem. Theater Director, Poet and Comic Actor discussing problems in a conversation artistic creativity. Should art serve the crowd or remain true to its high purpose? This conversation is a reflection of Goethe's own views on art.

Prologue in Heaven

In the "Prologue in Heaven" lies the plot of the tragedy. The Lord, the archangels (Raphael, Gabriel and Michael) and Mephistopheles act here. Archangels sing praises to the deeds of Gosiod, who created the Universe. They paint a picture of nature, the greatness of which cannot be comprehended by the mind: “In space, embraced by a chorus of spheres, the sun gives its voice, completing the prescribed cycle with a thunderous peal ... And with incomprehensible speed, the Earth rotates below, at night with terrible darkness and bright noon dividing circle ... ” The doxology of the archangels is interrupted by Mephistopheles with his sarcastic remark: “I came to you, God, at a reception to report on our situation ...” Not everything on earth is as beautiful as the archangels just assured in their high-flown tirades. On earth, says Mephistopheles, "people are fighting, toiling", there is "gloom, and it is bad for a person that even I spare him for the time being."

An argument ensues between God and Mephistopheles. For the first time, the name of the learned man Faust is heard, whom God cites as an example as his faithful and diligent servant. Mephistopheles replies that "this Aesculapius" is not like other slaves, that there is no humility and peace in him. He notes the contradictory, dual nature of Faust:

“He rushes into battle, and loves to take on obstacles, And he sees a goal that beckons in the distance, And he demands stars from the sky as a reward And the best pleasures from the earth, And his soul will never be sweet ...”

Mephistopheles believes that he can give Faust earthly joys that will captivate him and make him forget about high impulses for knowledge. God allows Mephistopheles to subject Faust to any temptations, to bring him down into any abyss, believing that his instinct will lead Faust out of the impasse. Mephistopheles accepts the argument, he is sure that he will win it, which will make Faust "crawl in the litter" and "eat ... the dust from the shoe." If Faust recognizes himself as satisfied with life, his soul will be given to Mephistopheles. God grants Mephistopheles the right to fight for the scientist's soul. A grandiose scale struggle between good and evil, the sublime and the base begins.

Scene 2. "At the city gates"

On a bright festive day, a motley crowd of walking townspeople heads out of town. Faust and his assistant Wagner - a dry pedant, a "boring, limited scholar" - join the celebratory crowd. All the surrounding residents revere Faust: he and his father tirelessly treated people, saving them from illnesses. He was not afraid of either the "moral ulcer" or the plague. Ordinary townspeople and peasants greet the dock-mountain, bow to him and give way. But this sincere confession does not bring joy to Faust. He is far from overestimating his own merits. To Wagner’s words that a doctor should be proud of such love of the people, Faust replies that he often treated people, without ever knowing later whether the treatment helped the person and whether he survived. Faust confesses to Wagner:

* “…two souls live in me, And both are at odds with each other. One, like the passion of love, is ardent And greedily clings to the earth entirely, The other, all behind the clouds, would have rushed out of the body.
* On a walk, a strange black dog is nailed to Faust and Wagner, whom Faust mistook for a werewolf:
* “In circles, reducing their coverage, He is getting closer to us. And, if I'm not mistaken, the flame behind him snakes across the land of the glades.
* Wagner reassures Faust: “You see, not a ghost - a simple dog. He grumbles, wags his tail, lay down on his belly. Everything is like a dog, and does not look like a spirit. Faust takes the dog with him.

Scenes 3 and 4. Faust's study

Faust is in his office, and again he is possessed by painful and grave doubts. At his feet is a black poodle - a dog that stuck with him on a walk. In an effort to overcome the growing anxiety, "sluggishness in thoughts and confusion", Faust takes up the translation into German New Testament.

* “In the beginning was the Word,” he reads in the Gospel. But the interpretation of the Greek "Logos" as "Word" does not suit him, and he tries to substitute other concepts: first "Thought", then "Force" and, finally, "Deed". "In the beginning was the Deed!" - the verse says, ”Faust exclaims, for for him to act is above all.

But then a black dog distracts him from his studies, Faust tries to drive him out of the room, but the dog suddenly “puffed up like a bubble”, grew “up and down” and eventually turned into Mephistopheles, who for the first time appears before the doctor in the guise of a wandering student. Faust is surprised: “That means what the poodle was stuffed with! Did the dog hide the schoolboy in itself? » When asked by the host about the name, the unexpected guest replies that he is “a part of the power that does good without number, wishing evil on everything ... I am a spirit who is always accustomed to deny.”

The guest chuckles condescendingly at human weaknesses, over the human lot and confesses to Faust that the world is being demolished while his attacks are "without damage." Not getting along with the Universe as a whole, Mephistopheles harms in small things:

* “I pestered him with an earthquake, Forest fires and floods, - And at least that! I didn't reach the goal. And the sea is intact, and the mainland.

Mephistopheles wants to seduce Faust with the small joys of life and "in confirmation of a friendly feeling" to entertain him. He calls for the help of spirits; they lead a “round dance” around the doctor, sing about carnal joys, when “early early and before sunset - songs, festivities and round dances, sky, grass. And kisses recklessly ... ”Faust falls asleep under this round dance, and Mephistopheles, meanwhile, disappears. In the next scene, Mephistopheles reappears in Faust's office, but now he has "displayed gaudily." He is wearing “a tight-fitting camisole, a cape on his shoulders, a rooster feather on his hat, and a sword on the side ...” This time, right off the bat, he invites the old hermit to dispel longing and, dressed in a bright dress, “to know after a long fast what life means completeness." Faust refuses, saying that in any dress he will feel the “longing of existence”, that he “rejected life” and longingly awaits death. To this, Mephistopheles ironically remarks to him: "Death is not a visitor so hot." He persuades Faust to stop " flirting with longing", offering him his company and assuring that Faust will not have to miss him: "I will give you what the world has not seen." If the proposed pleasure captures Faust so much that he asks to stop this moment, then he will become the prey of Mephistopheles, and Mephistopheles is free to take his soul.

Faust eventually agrees to sign a pact with the devil. According to this agreement, Mephistopheles must serve Faust and fulfill all his desires until he exclaims: “Stop, a moment, you are beautiful!” Faust gives Mephistopheles a receipt signed in blood. Having sealed the contract with blood, they go on a journey - right through the air, on the widely spread cloak of Mephistopheles.

Scene 12. Garden

During the time that has elapsed between these scenes, youth has returned to Faust - thirty years have been thrown off his shoulders. Mephistopheles brought Faust into contact with a witch, who rejuvenated him by giving him a magical drink to drink and made him more receptive to sensual pleasures. Faust is now young, handsome, his blood is seething, and he knows no more hesitation in his determination to know all the pleasures of life and comprehend the highest happiness. Mephistopheles rejoices that he made him forget about his attraction to knowledge and science.

However, what temptation did the lame-footed devil come up with for his ward? One of them is called Margarita, or Gretchen. She is fifteen years old, she is a simple, pure and innocent girl. Gretchen grew up in a small town, where gossips gossip at the well, discussing everyone. Her family is not rich, although her father left a small fortune - both "a garden and a small house in the settlement." There is no maid in the house, and the girl has to do all the housework herself. Her brother is in the army, and the younger sister she nursed recently died. There is a long distance between Faust and Gretchen with her naive simplicity. But this is what captivates Faust in her. Seeing Margarita walking from the church on the street, Faust flared up with insane passion for her. In response to the offer to see her off, the girl responds with an angry refusal. And then the pimp-devil offers his services. Margarita responds to Faust with the same fiery love. They meet in the garden. Margarita picks a chamomile and, picking off the petals one by one, wonders: “She doesn’t love. Loves. No ... He loves!
Her feeling is immense, we can only guess about its depth and strength, if this meek and naive girl not only becomes Faust's lover, but also subsequently puts her mother to sleep on his advice so that she does not interfere with their dates. Faust is attracted to this young and inexperienced commoner, perhaps because with her he acquires a sense of beauty and goodness, which he previously aspired to. Love gives them bliss, but it also becomes the cause of misfortune.

Scene 19. Night. Street in front of Gretchen's house

Margarita's brother, Valentine, hears rumors that his sister, who was previously set as an example to everyone, can no longer serve as a model of morality. Passing by Gretchen's windows, Valentine accidentally bumps into Faust and Mephistopheles. Guessing that one of them is the "lover of the sisters", he rushes into the fray. At a sign from his lame-legged companion ("Be bolder, doctor! Get out the sword! Forward!") Faust gets involved in the battle. Together with Mephistopheles, they fight against Valentine, and Faust stabs his beloved's brother to death. Seeing that Valentine is hit by a sword, Faust and his leader disappear from the scene. Dying, Valentine curses his sister, calls her a whore and betrays everyone to shame.

So, Faust fled from the payback for the murder, hastening to get out of the city. What happened to Margaret since then? The unfortunate girl became a serious criminal. As it turned out, she unwittingly killed her mother, because she once did not wake up after a sleeping potion. Later, Margarita gave birth to a girl and, fleeing from people's rumors, drowned her in the river. Now, branded as a murderer and a harlot, she is imprisoned and awaiting execution. Faust learns about this misfortune and falls upon Mephistopheles with reproaches. Mephistopheles with a cold smile reflects these reproaches, but promises him to help free Margarita. Faust enters the prison where Gretchen is languishing awaiting execution.

Margaret's mind was confused. Bare-haired, barefoot, she sings a children's song in prison and shudders at every rustle. When Faust appears, she does not recognize him. Mistaking him for an executioner, she begs to be allowed to live until morning. He listens in desperation to her crazy speeches. She says something about a child who needs to be fed, asks not to lead her under the axe. Faust falls on his knees in front of her, calls her by name (“Gretchen, Gretchen!”), breaks the shackles. Finally, she realizes that she has a friend in front of her. Margaret's chains are falling. She cannot believe in her happy escape. Faust hurries her: time is short, she must run, leave the dungeon as soon as possible. But Margarita hesitates, she reproaches her lover that he has become cold to her embrace, “has forgotten how to kiss”:

* “What an indifferent you have become! Where did you lose your passion? You were mine. Who stole you?

Margarita tells Faust that she "lulled her mother to death ... drowned her daughter in a pond." Faust again asks her to hurry: “Let's go! Trust, don't delay!" She tells Faust that there is no worse fate than "staggering around with a sick conscience, always looking out for enemies and detectives in ambush behind you!" - and refuses to follow him into the wild. He decides to take her away by force. Mephistopheles, who appeared at the door, urges Faust. They leave the prison together, without persuading Margarita to follow them. “I submit to God's judgment,” the girl says. Leaving, Mephistopheles throws that Margarita is condemned to torment. However, a voice from above says: “Saved!” Preferring martyrdom and repentance to an escape arranged by the devil, Margarita saved her soul.

Faust's last monologue (part II)

Faust is old again and feels that life is again approaching the end. Another blow awaits him - he goes blind and finds himself in complete darkness. Blind and feeble old man standing on the edge of the grave, Faust still strives to fulfill his cherished dream: to build a dam to win back a piece of land from the sea, which every year was flooded by the sea tide, depriving the land of fertility.

The denouement is approaching. Mephistopheles foresees imminent death Faust and summons lemurs, evil spirits, to prepare his grave. He hopes that Faust's soul will fall into his hands. Blind Faust hears the sound of spades, and it seems to him that it is his people who are busy building a dam. He is seized by violent joy and energy - he thinks that the cherished goal is already close. However, the blind Faust is unaware that these are not builders - evil spirits are swarming around him, digging his grave. Inspired by the idea of ​​creation, he continues to give commands: “Get up to work in a friendly crowd! Scatter in a chain where I point. Picks, shovels, wheelbarrows for diggers! Align the shaft according to the drawing!” In his mind, there is such a grandiose picture of a rich, fertile and prosperous country where “a free people lives in a free land” that he utters secret words that he would like to stop the moment.

* I would like to see on such days.
* Then I could exclaim: “A moment!
* Oh, how beautiful you are, wait a bit!
* The traces of my struggles are embodied,
* And they will never be erased.
* And, anticipating this triumph,
* I am now experiencing the highest moment.

So the fatal words are spoken. Faust falls into the arms of the lemurs and dies. Mephistopheles is already looking forward to the moment when, according to the agreement, he will take possession of his soul. However, here heavenly forces appear, and the struggle of evil spirits with angels begins. Mephistopheles curses the angels. But roses, scattered by angels and ignited by the fiery breath of demons, burn the body of Mephistopheles. Unable to withstand the struggle, the demons flee, and the angels carry Faust's soul to heaven. Faust's soul is saved.

Other writings on this work

The tragedy of I. V. Goethe "Faust" was written in 1774 - 1831 and refers to literary direction romanticism. The work is the main work of the writer, on which he worked for almost his entire life. The plot of the tragedy is based on the German Legend of Faust, the famous warlock of the 16th century. Particular attention is drawn to the composition of the tragedy. The two parts of "Faust" are contrasted: the first shows the doctor's relationship with the spiritually pure girl Margarita, the second shows Faust's activities at court and marriage to the ancient heroine Elena.

Main characters

Heinrich Faust- a doctor, a scientist disillusioned with life and science. Made a deal with Mephistopheles.

Mephistopheles- an evil spirit, the devil, argued with the Lord that he could get the soul of Faust.

Gretchen (Margarita) - beloved Faust. An innocent girl who, out of love for Heinrich, accidentally killed her mother, and then, going crazy, drowned her daughter. Died in prison.

Other characters

Wagner - student of Faust who created the Homunculus.

Elena- an ancient Greek heroine, beloved of Faust, from whom her son Euphorion was born. Their marriage is a symbol of the combination of ancient and romantic beginnings.

Euphorion - the son of Faust and Helena, endowed with the features of a romantic, Byronic hero.

Martha- Margarita's neighbor, a widow.

Valentine- soldier, brother Gretchen, who was killed by Faust.

Theater Director, Poet

Homunculus

dedication

Theatrical introduction

The director of the theater asks the Poet to create an entertaining work that will be interesting to absolutely everyone and will attract more viewers to their theater. However, the Poet believes that “the splattering of vulgarities is a great evil,” “talentless crooks are a craft.”

The director of the theater advises him to move away from the usual style and more resolutely get down to business - "in his own way" with poetry, then his works will be really interesting to people. The director provides the Poet and the Actor with all the possibilities of the theater in order to:

“In this boardwalk - a booth
You can, as in the universe,
Having passed all the tiers in a row,
Descend from heaven through the earth to hell.

Prologue in the sky

Mephistopheles comes to the Lord for reception. The devil argues that people "illumined by God's spark" continue to live like animals. The Lord asks if he knows Faust. Mephistopheles recalls that Faust is a scientist who "rushes into battle, and loves to take on obstacles," serving God. The devil offers to bet that he will "beat off" the Lord Faust, exposing him to all sorts of temptations, to which he agrees. God is sure that the scientist's instinct will lead him out of the impasse.

Part one

Night

Cramped gothic room. Faust is sitting awake reading a book. The Doctor reflects:

"I mastered theology,
I pored over philosophy,
jurisprudence hollowed
And studied medicine.
However, at the same time, I
I was and still am a fool.

And I turned to magic,
So that the spirit at the call appears to me
And he discovered the secret of being.

The doctor's thoughts are interrupted by his student Wagner, who suddenly enters the room. During a conversation with a student, Faust explains: people really do not know anything about antiquity. The doctor is outraged by Wagner's arrogant, stupid thoughts that man has already grown up to know all the secrets of the universe.

When Wagner left, the doctor reflects that he considered himself equal to God, but this is not so: "I am a blind worm, I am the stepson of nature." Faust realizes that his life is "passing in dust" and is about to commit suicide by drinking poison. However, at the moment when he brings a glass of poison to his lips, bell ringing And choral singing– angels sing about the Resurrection of Christ. Faust abandons his intention.

At the gate

Crowds of people walking, including Wagner and Faust. The old farmer thanks the doctor and his late father for helping to "get rid of the plague" in the city. However, Faust is ashamed of his father, who during his medical practice for the sake of experiments gave people poison - while treating some, he killed others. A black poodle runs up to the doctor and Wagner. It seems to Faust that behind the dog "a flame snakes across the land of the glades."

Faust's workroom

Faust took the poodle with him. The doctor sits down to translate the New Testament into German. Reflecting on the first phrase of the scripture, Faust comes to the conclusion that it is translated not as “In the beginning was the Word”, but “In the beginning was the Deed”. The poodle begins to play around and, distracted from work, the doctor sees how the dog turns into Mephistopheles. The devil appears to Faust in the clothes of a wandering student. The doctor asks who he is, to which Mephistopheles replies:

“Part of the strength of that which is without number
He does good, wishing evil to everything.

Mephistopheles chuckles at human weaknesses, as if he knows what thoughts torment Faust. Soon the Devil is about to leave, but the pentagram drawn by Faust does not let him in. The devil, with the help of spirits, puts the doctor to sleep and disappears while he sleeps.

The second time Mephistopheles appeared to Faust in rich clothes: in a karamzin camisole, with a cape on his shoulders and a rooster feather on his hat. The devil persuades the doctor to leave the walls of the office and go with him:

"You will be comfortable here with me,
I will fulfill any whim."

Faust agrees and signs the treaty in blood. They go on a journey, flying straight through the air on the Devil's magical cloak.

Auerbach cellar in Leipzig

Mephistopheles and Faust join the company of merry revelers. Devil treats wine drinkers. One of the revelers spills a drink on the ground and the wine catches fire. The man exclaims that it is hellfire. Those present rush at the Devil with knives, but he induces a "dope" on them - it begins to seem to people that they are in a beautiful land. At this time, Mephistopheles and Faust disappear.

witch's kitchen

Faust and Mephistopheles are waiting for the witch. Faust complains to Mephistopheles that he is tormented by sad thoughts. The devil replies that he can be distracted from any thoughts by a simple means - the conduct of an ordinary household. However, Faust is not ready to "live without scope". At the request of the Devil, the witch prepares a potion for Faust, after which the doctor's body "gains heat", and the lost youth returns to him.

Street

Faust, seeing Marguerite (Gretchen) on the street, is struck by her beauty. The Doctor asks Mephistopheles to set him up with her. The devil replies that he just overheard her confession - she is innocent, as Small child, so evil spirits no power over her. Faust sets a condition: either Mephistopheles arranges their date today, or he will terminate their contract.

Evening

Margarita thinks that she would give a lot to find out who the man she met was. While the girl leaves her room, Faust and Mephistopheles leave her a gift - a jewelry box.

On a walk

Margarita's mother took the donated jewelry to the priest, as she realized that it was a gift from evil spirits. Faust orders to give Gretchen something else.

Neighbor's house

Margarita tells her neighbor Marta that she has found a second jewelry box. The neighbor advises not to say anything about the find of the mother, starting to put on jewelry gradually.

Mephistopheles comes to Martha and informs about the fictitious death of her husband, who left nothing to his wife. Marta asks if it is possible to get a paper confirming her husband's death. Mephistopheles replies that he will soon return with a friend to testify about the death, and asks Margarita to stay too, since his friend is "an excellent fellow."

Garden

Walking with Faust, Margarita tells that she lives with her mother, her father and sister have died, and her brother is in the army. The girl guesses on a camomile and gets the answer "Loves". Faust confesses his love to Marguerite.

forest cave

Faust is hiding from everyone. Mephistopheles tells the doctor that Margarita misses him very much and is afraid that Heinrich has cooled off towards her. The Devil is surprised that Faust so easily decided to give up on the girl.

Martha's Garden

Margarita shares with Faust that she really dislikes Mephistopheles. The girl thinks that he can betray them. Faust, notes the innocence of Margarita, before which the Devil is powerless: “Oh, the sensitivity of angelic guesses!” .

Faust gives Marguerite a sleeping pill so she can put her mother to sleep, and they manage to be alone longer next time.

Night. Street in front of Gretchen's house

Valentine, Gretchen's brother, decides to deal with the girl's lover. The young man is upset that she brought shame upon herself by an affair without marriage. Seeing Faust, Valentine challenges him to a duel. The doctor kills the young man. Until they are noticed, Mephistopheles and Faust hide, leave the city. Before his death, Valentine instructs Margarita, saying that the girl must protect her honor.

Cathedral

Gretchen attends a church service. Behind the girl, an evil spirit whispers to her that Gretchen is responsible for the death of her mother (not woken up from a sleeping pill) and her brother. In addition, everyone knows that a girl carries a child under her heart. Unable to withstand obsessive thoughts, Gretchen faints.

Walpurgis Night

Faust and Mephistopheles watch the coven of witches and sorcerers. Walking along the fires, they meet a general, a minister, a wealthy businessman, a writer, a junk witch, Lilith, Medusa and others. Suddenly, one of the shadows reminds of Faust Margaret, the doctor imagined that the girl was beheaded.

It's a nasty day. Field

Mephistopheles tells Faust that Gretchen has been begging for a long time and is now in prison. The doctor is in despair, he reproaches the Devil for what happened and demands that he save the girl. Mephistopheles notices that it was not he, but Faust himself who ruined Marguerite. However, after thinking, he agrees to help - the Devil will put the caretaker to sleep, and then take them away. Faust himself will have to take possession of the keys and lead Margarita out of the dungeon.

Jail

Faust enters the dungeon where Marguerite is sitting, singing strange songs. She lost her mind. Mistaking the doctor for an executioner, the girl asks to put off punishment until the morning. Faust explains that her lover is in front of her and they need to hurry. The girl is glad, but takes time, telling him that he has grown cold to her arms. Margarita tells how she lulled her mother to death and drowned her daughter in a pond. The girl is delusional and asks Faust to dig graves for her, her mother and brother. Before her death, Margarita asks for salvation from God. Mephistopheles says that she is condemned to torment, but then a voice is heard from above: “Saved!” . The girl is dying.

Part two

Act one

Imperial Palace. Masquerade

Mephistopheles in the form of a jester appears before the emperor. In the throne room begins State Council. The chancellor reports that the country is in decline, the state does not have enough money.

Walking garden

The devil helped the state solve the problem of lack of money by turning a scam. Mephistopheles put into circulation securities, the pledge of which was gold located in the bowels of the earth. The treasure will someday be found and will cover all expenses, but so far fooled people are paying with shares.

dark gallery

Faust, who appeared at court as a magician, informs Mephistopheles that he promised the emperor to show ancient heroes Paris and Elena. The Doctor asks the Devil to help him. Mephistopheles gives Faust a directional key that will help the doctor enter the world pagan gods and heroes.

Knight's Hall

The courtiers await the appearance of Paris and Helen. When an ancient Greek heroine appears, the ladies begin to discuss her shortcomings, but Faust is fascinated by the girl. The scene of the “abduction of Helen” by Paris is played out before the audience. Having lost his composure, Faust tries to save and keep the girl, but the spirits of the heroes suddenly evaporate.

Act two

gothic room

Faust lies in his old room motionless. The student Famulus tells Mephistopheles that the now famous scientist Wagner is still waiting for the return of his teacher Faust, and is now on the verge of a great discovery.

Medieval laboratory

Mephistopheles comes to Wagner, who is at the clumsy instruments. The scientist tells the guest that he wants to create a person, because, in his opinion, "the former children's survival for us is an absurdity, handed over to the archive." Wagner creates Homunculus.

The homunculus advises Mephistopheles to take Faust to the Walpurgis Night festival, and then flies away with the doctor and the Devil, leaving Wagner.

Classic Walpurgis Night

Mephistopheles lowers Faust to the ground, and he finally comes to his senses. The Doctor goes in search of Elena.

Act three

In front of the palace of Menelaus in Sparta

Landed on the coast of Sparta, Elena learns from the housekeeper Phorkiada that King Menelaus (Helen's husband) sent her here as a sacrifice for sacrifice. The housekeeper helps the heroine escape death by helping her escape to a nearby castle.

Castle courtyard

Helen is brought to Faust's castle. He reports that the queen now owns everything in his castle. Faust sends his troops against Menelaus, who is coming at him with a war, who wants to take revenge, and he takes refuge with Elena in the underworld.

Soon Faust and Helen have a son, Euphorion. The boy dreams of jumping so that "inadvertently reach the sky with one swoop." Faust tries to shield his son from trouble, but he asks to be left alone. Having climbed a high rock, Euphorion jumps from it and falls dead at the feet of his parents. The grieving Elena tells Faust: "The old saying comes true on me, That happiness does not get along with beauty" and, with the words "take me, O Persephone, with a boy!" hugs Faust. The woman's body disappears, and only her dress and veil remain in the man's hands. Elena's clothes turn into clouds and carry Faust away.

act four

Mountain landscape

To the rocky ridge, which was previously the bottom of the underworld, Faust swims up on a cloud. A man reflects on the fact that with the memories of love, all his purity and “the best essence” are gone. Soon, on seven-league boots, Mephistopheles flies to the rock. Faust tells Mephistopheles that his greatest desire is to build a dam on the sea and

"At any cost at the abyss
Reclaim a piece of land."

Faust asks Mephistopheles for help. Suddenly, the sounds of war are heard. The Devil explains that the emperor they previously helped is in dire straits after exposing the securities scam. Mephistopheles advises Faust to help the monarch return to the throne, for which he will be able to receive a seashore as a reward. The Doctor and the Devil help the Emperor win a resounding victory.

act five

open area

To old people, loving married couple Baucis and Philemon are visited by a stranger. Once the old people have already helped him, for which he is very grateful to them. Baucis and Philemon live by the sea, there is a bell tower and a linden grove nearby.

Castle

The aged Faust is indignant - Baucis and Philemon do not agree to leave the seashore so that he can realize his idea. Their house is exactly on the spot that now belongs to the doctor. Mephistopheles promises to deal with the old people.

Deep night

The house of Baucis and Philemon, and with it the linden grove and the belfry, were burnt down. Mephistopheles told Faust that they tried to drive the old people out of the house, but they died of fright, and the guest, resisting, was killed by the servants. The house caught fire accidentally from a spark. Faust curses Mephistopheles and the servants for deafness to his words, since he wanted a fair exchange, and not violence and robbery.

Large courtyard in front of the palace

Mephistopheles orders the lemurs (grave ghosts) to dig a grave for Faust. Blinded Faust hears the sound of shovels and decides that it is the workers who are making his dream come true:

"Put a boundary to the fury of the surf
And, as if reconciling the earth with itself,
They erect, the shaft and embankments are fixed.

Faust orders Mephistopheles to "recruit workers here without counting," constantly reporting to him on the progress of work. The doctor thinks about what he would like to see the days when free people laboring in the free land, then he could exclaim: “A moment! Oh, how beautiful you are, wait a bit!” . With the words: “And anticipating this triumph, I am now experiencing the highest moment,” Faust dies.

Position in the coffin

Mephistopheles is waiting for Faust's spirit to leave his body so that he can present him with their blood-backed pact. However, angels appear and, pushing the demons away from the doctor's grave, carry the immortal essence of Faust into the sky.

Conclusion

Tragedy I. In Goethe's "Faust" is philosophical work in which the author reflects on eternal theme confrontation in the world and man of good and evil, reveals the questions of man's knowledge of the secrets of the world, self-knowledge, touches on issues of power, love, honor, justice, and many others that are important at any time. Today, Faust is considered one of the pinnacles of German classical poetry. The tragedy is included in the repertoire of the world's leading theaters and has been filmed many times.

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