Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Faust Essay - 1029 Words

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the brilliant mind behind the 17th century’s epic poem â€Å"Faust†, illustrates a combining structure of desire and self-indulgence. His idea was to capture the ideal image of good vs. evil and how easily it can be misconstrued. â€Å"Of all the great dualities of hum an experience good and evil have been the most instrumental in shaping the beliefs, rituals, and laws, of Homo Sapiens.†(Argano) As a resourceful poet and artiste during the Enlightenment Age; Goethe’s poetry debates on the far-reaching theory, that man is willing to go above and beyond to achieve his goals. According to Adina Bodrogean, â€Å"Enlightenment meant in the English literature a disruption from the previous trends in the literature and cultural†¦show more content†¦In a sense, I acquired that the Lord’s view of humanity is: imperfection isn’t absolute and man’s potential for the greater good can be refined. As the poem continues, Faust has found himself in the presence of Mephistopheles. â€Å"I had ideas too big for me, your level’s mine, that’s all I’m good for.†(Goethe Lines 1526-27). In this instance, the two engage in a bet: Mephisto grants Faust permission to do whatever he sees fit on Earth with no consequence. In exchange for a first-class ticket to Hell, if he ever chooses to drift from the path of God. During this adjustment, Faust finds himself delighted with whatever the Devil offers him, which in some cases today will be â€Å"too good to be true†. Deciding that a deal with this marauder can further his ambition, Faust is unwittingly seduced by avarice. During his time with Mephisto, Faust comes across a young woman by the name of Gretchen, â€Å"Well? What’s doing? When am I going to have her?†(Goethe Line 2831). While reading, Gretchen is portrayed as your ordinary peasant girl. She’s innocent, pure and a little bit naà ¯ve for her age. As the poem progresses, Faust manages to seduce the young innocent girl, with the guidance of Mephistopheles. Gretchen gives into temptation. Here, Gretchen is the embodiment of good, while contrast, Faust is evil. Stated above, Goethe’s main idea was to capture the idyllic image of Good. Faust’sShow MoreRelatedFaust as a Romantic Hero794 Words   |  4 PagesFaust as a Romantic Hero In Johann Wolfgang von Goethe s Faust, the protagonist exhibits many characteristics of a typical romantic hero. First, he is larger then life. He has obtained numerous advanced degrees, and conjures up spirits. In his effort to go beyond knowledge and gain experience he strikes a bargain with the Devil. He is not afraid of the Devil or hell ( Lawall Mack, 444) and proves that by making the deal with the Devil. 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