The Fates of Faust: A Comparative Study of Faust in Marlowe and Goethe

Faust, the protagonist of ancient German tales, has become a symbol of human struggle with knowledge and morality. Two renowned playwrights, Goethe and Christopher Marlowe, presented their perspectives on the character's fate in their respective works. This article explores the outcomes of Faust in Goethe's Faust and Christopher Marlowe's Dr. Faustus, comparing the results and the philosophical implications.

Faust in Goethe's Faust (1808)

In Goethe's Faust, the narrative concludes with a more ambiguous and hopeful exploration of his fate. Despite Faust's actions and transgressions, which primarily involve his pursuit of knowledge and pleasure, the Poet concludes that Faust's soul has been saved.

Goethe leaves the final outcome open-ended and ambiguous, with Faust standing at the edge of time, surrounded by the spirits of nature. The Poet implies that Faust's soul will either ascend to heaven with him or stay on Earth, symbolizing the eternal struggle between the finite and the infinite. This ambiguous conclusion tends to reflect the complexity of human nature and the nuanced views of morality conveyed by Goethe.

Faust in Christopher Marlowe's Dr. Faustus (1592)

Christopher Marlowe's Dr. Faustus, on the other hand, presents a more definitive and dire outcome for Faust. Unlike Goethe's Faust, the dramatic structure of Dr. Faustus offers a clear and damning conclusion where Faust is ultimately taken to hell and experiences its torments.

Marlowe's use of alliteration and imagery in the play effectively emphasizes the moral weight of Faust's choices. As the play progresses, the continuous downfall signifies the irreparable damage Faust's deals with the devil have inflicted upon his soul. The character's ultimate fate, therefore, serves as a cautionary tale for the readers of the era and later generations. Marlowe's Faust's final moments bring to light the consequences of succumbing to temptation and betraying one's soul, reinforcing the values of Christian morality central to his work.

Comparative Analysis

Both works explore the moral quandaries of Faust but offer vastly different conclusions. Goethe portrays a man who is ultimately redeemed, challenging the Aristotelian notion that tragic heroes must die. In contrast, Marlowe presents a tale of absolute damnation, reinforcing the medieval Christian belief in the irredeemable nature of sin.

By interpreting these plays through the lens of contemporary understandings, we can gain insights into the cultural and societal shifts that influenced both authors. Goethe’s more optimistic ending reflects the Romantic ideal of self-actualization, while Marlowe's darker conclusion upholds the strict limits set by medieval Christian ethics.

Philosophical Implications

The divergent fates of Faust in these works serve as a choice between two distinct paths—salvation and damnation. Both narratives can be seen as a reflection of modern existential dilemmas regarding the pursuit of knowledge and ultimate redemption.

Faust’s fate raises questions about the balance between human desires and divine laws. Goethe emphatically suggests that humanity can attain spiritual growth and enlightenment, be it in life or after death. While Marlowe's more linear and deterministic narrative exemplifies the belief that one’s actions ultimately determine their eternal fate, no matter how much one may try to manipulate or circumvent them.

In conclusion, the various interpretations of Faust's ending offer valuable insights into the works of Goethe and Marlowe. While Goethe's optimistic and open-ended conclusion reflects a belief in human potential, Marlowe's stark and unequivocal narrative underscores the importance of moral integrity and the idea that one's actions have eternal consequences.

Conclusion

The fates of Faust in Goethe and Marlowe offer distinct philosophical and literary insights. By comparing and contrasting these narratives, one can appreciate the richness and complexity of human desires, morality, and spirituality as portrayed by these two great authors.

Key Takeaways: The ambiguous outcome of Faust in Goethe's work challenges the traditional tragic hero concept, while Marlowe's conclusive take on Faust's fate serves as a warning against worldly addiction and moral corruption. Understanding these contrasting interpretations deepens our appreciation for the diverse perspectives on human fate and morality.