Faust: a Tragedy [part 1], Translated from the German of Goethe by Goethe

Faust: A Tragedy, Part 1 tells the story of a restless scholar named Faust, dissatisfied with his academic achievements and yearning for a more fulfilling life. In a moment of despair, he contemplates suicide. However, he’s interrupted by a trickster figure, Mephistopheles, who turns out to be the devil.

Mephistopheles offers Faust a deal: unlimited knowledge, pleasure, and experience in exchange for his soul after death. Faust, tempted by the prospect of escaping his limitations, agrees. Mephistopheles takes Faust on a whirlwind journey, introducing him to sensual pleasures, worldly adventures, and even encounters with witches and mythical beings.

Faust becomes infatuated with a young innocent woman named Gretchen. Mephistopheles helps Faust seduce her, but the consequences are devastating. Gretchen’s innocence is shattered, leading to tragedy for her and her family. As Faust realizes the destructive path he’s on, Part 1 ends with Gretchen in prison and Faust grappling with the weight of his choices