what a book?!?
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this book is absolutely classic but also quite befudddling. you will love the scene of the walpurgisnacht because it is sooo graphic and real.
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A great read.
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I found this very entertaining to read. It is written aesthetically, (and this is maintained in the translation, not that I have read the original German), and is an engrossing story. I'm sure that there are many allusions and philosophical parables to be found in close study of the text, but I just found it an enjoyable read without having to take it too seriously. Mephistopheles is a brilliant comic character, but there are also subtle insights into the depth of his evil as well. The minimalism of the characters other than Mephistopheles and Faust is stylish and makes the story all the more memorable in retrospect. Reading this makes me feel that all stories should be written in verse, if only the authors were skillful enough. Even though I have only studied Shakespeare at the usual school level, I can see what might be Shakespearian influences or things that remind me of Shakespeare; perhaps this was in places done on purpose by Goethe as a tribute to Shakespeare.
As far as I can tell, the translator has done a miraculous job. One of my favourite lines in the play is:
"But write it all down, concentrating
As if it were the Holy Ghost dictating!"
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Inspried Actor
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A beautiful piece of literature, and one that is still relevant today. I have performed this work and I can truly say that the writing in it is skillful and inspiring. Excellent, whether you are an actor, literature student, or simply an interested layman. Fantastic sutff from Germany's premier play-write.
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The greatest piece of Western Literature
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Certainly, the sixty years Goethe spent writing volumes I & II paid off. Unlike Shakespeare, there is a moral lesson which sums the human experience regardless of one's actual circumstances. By illusion and yearning are we enmeshed in lifes toils, only to find the simplicity of innocence and life's early beauty, before we possessed, was the greatest of our soul. Though greatly influenced by Shakespeare, Goethe takes the life's tale to another level which is wrapped in other dimensions of past, present, and future, in addition to heavens and hells. The Faustian choice is one made everyday and is weaved into every moment, until death and afterwards.
An understanding of Indian philosophy (i.e., Buddhism, Hinduism) and the Sanskrit texts brings a deeper depth of understanding, with their complexity and breadth giving greater meaning to a highly mystical and even transcendental text.
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Would the real Faust please stand up?
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Having read Marlowe's Faustus, I already had a picture of the fabled Doctor's exploits in mind as I started reading. Goethe's Faust follows much the same fate - selling his soul to Mephisto, and then seeing the world in the way he wants it, before the inevitable ending.. however, there are a few more twists and turns in Goethe's. Most of the plot follows a tragic romantic liaison - not just tragic for Faust, but also for the lady involved. She loses everything, but stays loyal to God; Faust gains everything at the expense of God (until the final retribution). Strong Gothic imagery combines with smooth poetry in this translation, yet some meaning has been lost in the annals of time. The interlude play, a mimicry of mid-summer night's dream, went straight over my head; too many references to German folklore. Marlowe wins the day.
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