قصة الكتاب :
Faust is a tragic play written by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. The play consists of two parts which in English are simply referred to as Faust Part One and Faust Part Two. The earliest forms of the work are believed to be written between 1772 and 1775, but no traces now remain. The first print version of the work was published in 1790. Goethe completed a preliminary version of what is now known as Part One in 1806. Part Two was completed by Goethe in 1831 and published posthumously in 1832. Although the work is based on the medieval legend Faust who is said to have sold his soul to the devil, the work is a representation of the modern man’s plight in general – his sense of alienation and struggle with the world he lives in. More than anything, the work reflects the thoughts and experiences of one of the 19th century’s most gifted minds. \r\n
\r\nThe theme on which the book is based is considered an important one. Every generation struggles with its own unique challenges related to human alienation and fulfillment. One of the ways this can be explored is by looking at what lessons one can learn from the past. This is what Goethe attempts to do through Faust and while his endeavor may lack perfection, it has inspired many readers for over a century. The work is an exploration of the intellectual and emotional urge that characterized itself through the European Romantic Movement. The first part is an exploration of Faust’s pact with the devil Mephistopheles and the tragedy of Gretchen whom Faust seduces. The second part was developed over the period of Goethe’s life and reflects his transition from his earlier views to a wider world-view and extensive themes. The protagonist, Faust is treated by Goethe in a complex manner. Goethe places emphasis on Faust’s attempt to do good and the nature of human error. The work is not written along the lines of traditional Christian ideas of sin and redemption. For Faust, ordinary living is inconceivable and he chases greater depths of emotional intoxication as he lives. The deal he strikes with the devil in exchange for his soul is not supernatural knowledge or powers but the satisfaction of an exciting life lived at fever pitch. He even seeks intoxication in love and finds it in the innocent and virtuous Gretchen, whom he seduces and abandons. It is only at the end when he finds her in a state of near madness, does he realize how selfish his quest has been. A voice from above is heard announcing Gretchen’s salvation. The reader is left to draw his or her own conclusions regarding Faust and the extent to which he earns his salvation.\r\n
\r\nGoethe’s Faust has inspired several productions in the world of theatre, music and film. The play has made a tremendous impact on German literature and along with his other works, have cemented Goethe’s place among the literary greats. \r\n