LPS World Lit
Faust by Goethe
“Prologue in Heaven”
1.
How do lines 1-8 reflect elements of Romanticism?
2.
Which words in Michael’s dialogue (769) are charged with emotional intensity?
3.
In the opening 28 lines, comment on the emotions the angels express.
4.
In lines 38-50, what does Mephistopheles imply that man is unable to accomplish? Contrast this
sentiment with one from the angels.
5.
In lines 59-65, what does Mephistopheles say Faust desires? How do these lines reflect the Romantics’
attitude toward the importance of the individual and the value of unbounded spiritual aspirations?
6.
According to the Lord, what is his relationship to mankind like?
7.
What does the Lord mean in line 75?
8.
In lines 86-87, what does the Lord imply will keep man on the path of good?
9.
Describe the relationship between the Lord and Mephistopheles; the Lord and humanity; and
Mephistopheles and humanity.
“The First Part of the Tragedy”
10.
What does Faust’s opening speech reinforce about what we already know about him? What new
details are offered?
11.
In his opening speech, how does Faust establish himself as a Romantic hero?
12.
According to Faust (50-77), what torments him every day?
13.
To what person and event is Mephistopheles referring to in lines 85-86?
14.
List the things that Faust curses in lines 89-112.
15.
In what way do lines 89-112 exhibit the Romantics’ interest in emotions and the individual?
16.
Are the spirits that respond to Faust good or evil? Provide support.
17.
According to the spirits, what has Faust destroyed?
18.
Mephistopheles uses three methods to convince Faust to accept Mephistopheles’s offer. What are
they? How does this speech reflect the Romantics’ interest in emotions?
19.
Lines 197-212. Describe the terms of the agreement between Mephistopheles and Faust.
20.
What can you infer about Faust from line 312?
21.
Why does Mephistopheles point out wigs and stilts? What is he implying?
22.
Explain Mephistopheles’s attitude toward Faust.
23.
Do you think Faust hopes to become a legendary figure? Explain. Would he be content merely with
external fame?
24.
After all Faust’s efforts to gain knowledge, what will he come in the end, according to Mephistopheles?
25.
What can you infer about Mephistopheles’s true character from lines 343-359, spoken after Faust has
exited?