Goethe’s Faust, Part One
Doctor Faust
Faust opens the tragedy after studying philosophy, law, medicine and theology, yet finds himself no wiser. His frustration turns him towards magic and an experience beyond the limits of book learning. He accepts a wager that will be lost if enjoyment or self-satisfaction brings him to ask a passing moment to remain. The condition makes restless striving part of the bargain itself.
Loading your archive…
In the sources
Principal account
LiteraryFaust opens the tragedy after studying philosophy, law, medicine and theology, yet finds himself no wiser. His frustration turns him towards magic and an experience beyond the limits of book learning.
Further detail
LiteraryHe accepts a wager that will be lost if enjoyment or self-satisfaction brings him to ask a passing moment to remain. The condition makes restless striving part of the bargain itself.
Context & interpretation
This entry follows the character, setting or motif in Part One of Goethe’s drama as translated by Bayard Taylor. Its supernatural events and spoken claims belong to the play, rather than serving as historical biography or independently established accounts of spirits.
Original passages
Source 1
Faust
studied now PhilosophyOpen this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Goethe’s Faust, Part One; active reader leaf 44
Exact passage checked against active scan text and original-leaf mapping; scan line breaks normalised.
- Edition
- IMJ-0088-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0088-E001-P0044
- Original scan leaf
- 45
- Recorded leaf number
- 45
- Current Reader position
- 41
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed
Source 2
Faust
Canst thou with rich enjoyment fool meOpen this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Goethe’s Faust, Part One; active reader leaf 94
Exact passage checked against active scan text and original-leaf mapping; scan line breaks normalised.
- Edition
- IMJ-0088-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0088-E001-P0094
- Original scan leaf
- 95
- Recorded leaf number
- 95
- Current Reader position
- 91
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed
Illustrations
Continue exploring
Literary & Visionary Figures ↗
Wagner in Faust
Faust’s learned assistant, whose trust in acquired technique contrasts with Faust’s desire for inward understanding.
Shared source pageFaust’s pact
The bargain whose decisive condition concerns a moment of complete satisfaction.
Shared source pageFaust’s study
The crowded Gothic room from which the scholar seeks escape.
Same subject and traditionMargaret in Faust
The young woman whose encounter with Faust becomes the centre of the tragedy.
Same subject and traditionMartha in Faust
Margaret’s neighbour in Faust, who encourages secrecy over the gifted jewels and helps bring the lovers together.