Name:
English IV
Faust Guided Reading Questions
1. Identify the simile in lines 1-2 and explain it.
a. What are some of the connotations for the word “vulture?”
2. Reread lines 26-35. Does Faust believe in life after death? What does Faust’s belief
mean for how he views his time on earth?
3. Look back over the first page. What is the deal Mephistopheles offers Faust?
4. In lines 41-53, Faust gives 5 illustrations of how the demon’s promises may
disappoint him. What five pleasures of life do they represent?
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
a.
What does this speech reveal about Faust’s attitude toward Mephistopheles?
5. What word would you use to describe Mephistopheles’ tone in lines 80-81? (use a
thesaurus if needed)
6. Based on his speech in lines 82-98, how does Faust feel about the deal he will make
with the devil?
English IV
7. What is the implied meaning of the “chop and change” lines (123-124)? Connect
this idea to Plato’s allegory.
8. Find examples of OXYMORON in lines 132-133.
a. Why would Faust use such contradictions here?
9. Find an example of METAPHOR in Mephistopheles’ speech (lines 142-150).
a. What comparison is drawn? What meaning does the metaphor bring to the
speech?
10. In his speech (lines 154-168), what does Mephistopheles suggest a poet might be
able to do for Faust?
11. Mephistopheles makes a somewhat humorous-sounding speech (lines 172-175). Do
you agree that a person is incapable of change or growth? Why?
12. What does Mephistopheles mean when he says that Faust would be “equally
accursed” even without their bargain? (lines 217-218)