Faust, however, feels that he probably did more harm than good with his crude medicines. As Wagner and Faust return home to their studies, they meet a black dog on the road that follows Faust back to his room. In his study, Faust attempts to find new inspiration by reading the Gospel of John. He begins his own translation of the work, but the barking dog interrupts him. Soon, the dog transforms, and Mephistopheles appears where the dog once was. Faust and Mephistopheles begin a conversation about Faust's work and despair at his current situation in life. To show Faust a taste of his power, Mephistopheles summons a group of spirits that take Faust on a hallucinatory journey while Faust falls asleep. Mephistopheles leaves the study with a promise to return and show Faust more. When Faust awakens, Mephistopheles returns, this time with a wager. Faust continues discussing his inability to find a satisfying higher power, and Mephistopheles makes him an offer. The Devil promises to serve Faust and to give Faust a moment of transcendence, a moment in which he hopes to stay forever. If Mephistopheles succeeds, Faust must then be his servant for the rest of eternity in hell. Mephistopheles tells Faust to prepare for their journey, and while Faust does so, the Devil poses as the doctor as one of Faust’s new students arrives for a lesson.įaust takes the wager, believing that the Devil can never give him such a moment. The Devil and the Student talk of the student's future learning endeavors, and Mephistopheles tempts him into a more libertine lifestyle. The Student leaves, preparing to abandon his study to pursue women. Mephistopheles takes Faust first to Auerbach's Cellar, a drinking tavern. He tries to convince Faust that the men there have found their true pleasure they are men who enjoy their lives in the tavern. He drills holes in the side of one of the tables and pours wine out of the holes.įaust is unconvinced, however, by their crude cares and simple lives.
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