Faust

Faust a two-part play by Goethe based on a traditional topic that was finally finished in 1831 explores that restless intellectual and emotional impulse that reached its maximum expression during the European Romantic movement to which Goethe was a prominent and early contributor. The first section of the piece describes a deal Faust makes with Mephistopheles the devil and includes the tragic story of Gretchen whom Faust seduces. As the book progresses toward its conclusion Part II which was created over a significant amount of Goethes later life reflects Goethes personal change from a largely Romantic to a broader worldview and examines more vast issues including the virtues of the Classical past.