Summary

Faust objects to Mephisto’s scheme, protesting that they cannot lie about the death of a man they have never even seen. The devil presses him to consent anyway. He points out that Faust, as a scholar, often made definitive statements about matters in which he had no precise knowledge. Faust sees through this sophistry, but finally agrees to the ruse.

Analysis

Faust knows full well that there is a difference between premeditated lies and innocent errors caused by ignorance, but he is beginning to lose faith in all human moral responsibility. In addition, Mephisto has convinced him that he is really at base motivated by animal instincts and his moral protests are a poor attempt at rationalization. He accepts Mephisto’s plan, despite his initial reservations, because of his desperate need to find love and give his life meaning, but at the same time Faust is overwhelmed by skepticism about whether any such positive values really exist.

Summary

Later, on the street of a typical German town, Faust sees Margareta (usually called Gretchen, her nickname in German), recognizes the maiden of his vision, and develops a great passion for her. He tries to strike up a conversation, but Gretchen refuses to respond to his advances and walks away.

When Mephistopheles joins him, Faust excitedly describes Gretchen’s youthful beauty and asks the devil to get her for him. Mephisto replies that he has no power over Gretchen because of her innocence and piety. Undaunted, Faust boasts that he will seduce her without help and asks Mephistopheles to cooperate by getting him jewelry and other expensive gifts for the girl.

Analysis

In this scene Faust’s sordid lust is contrasted with Gretchen’s chastity and feminine warmth. As their romance progresses in the remaining episodes of Part One, Gretchen will develop into a character of genuine tragic stature.