Faust And The Devil s Tug Of War - 870 Words

Lucas Wheatcroft Professor Nannette Crane 7 October 2016 World Literature II Faust and the Devil’s Tug of War Published in 1775, Goethe’s literary work Faust exemplifies individualism, emotionalism, and nature in the protagonist’s gradual escape from extreme rationalism in his life, only to realize that emotion and nature culminate reason. Beginning in the late 17th century, Romanticism was connected with politics to portray people’s fears, aspirations, and emotions (Brians). In the beginning of the literary work, Faust tells Mephistopheles, the devil, that he cannot be tempted by human emotion, but later switches to the position that he has exhausted academic study, therefore immersing himself in the passions that make people so earnestly moved and motivated. Goethe implemented the biblical book of Job to enable Mephistopheles to intervene in Faust’s life as a bet to see if he is faithful to God, as evidenced by the script, where the Lord attests, â€Å"So it’s agreed, you have my full consent. Divert the soul of Faust from its true source and if you’re able [to], lead him along† (Lawall 632). As a result of this switch, Faust demands that Mephistopheles procure Margarete for him. Goethe calls this form of emotion and passion into question, dramatizing their infatuation towards the end when Margarete is in the dungeon, anticipating her execution. The most significant connection of Faust with nature is when he is in a natural setting after seducing Margarete. Romantics sawShow MoreRelatedWhat Makes A Story Faustian?1867 Words   |  8 Pagescharacter often resorts to selling their soul to the devil, in a search for power beyond their human limitations. And although Faustian themed stories provide a contemporary look at human limitation, their theme can be traced back to the earliest of biblical stories. What makes a story Faustian? Well all legends and stories considered ?Faustian? have a couple major elements in common. They all involve a character making a deal with the Devil, and they all attempt to teach a lesson.[i]That