Character Analysis: Mephistopheles

In Goethes Faust, Mephistopheles is presented as a retainer of the Devil. His chief function is to search for weaken men and collect their souls. Mephistopheles appearance to Faust signifies that Fausts soul is in risk of damnation. Some scholars claimed that Mephistopheles, although a servant of Satan, is not entirely evil. In the ordinal part of the play, Mephistopheles eve warned Faustus not to sell his soul t Lucifer. thither atomic number 18 indications that he even advised Faust to seek and reenter beau ideals favor by foregoing his unwarranted desires.In post-classical literary criticism, Mephistopheles is even depicted as a protector of souls in danger of damnation a fallen saint who contain some good. Some scholars argued that Mephistopheles is the satisfying manifestation of Fausts bad conscience. He is perceived to be an angel who permitted Faust to act on endless possibilities. This limitless freedom is synonymous to a life free from God. Indeed, according to s ome scholars, Mephistopheles represents this limitless freedom.However, it should be illustrious that Mephistopheles is not merely a symbolic representation of evil. In the play, he is portrayed as a fallen angel a servant of Satan who collects the soul of damned individuals. The traditional definition of evil is, however, retained in Mephistopheles character. The first scene of the play is somehow imitated from one of the almost popular stories in the volume, the story of Job. Faust is a humble teacher and fasten to the poor. He is the proof that there are still men who are truly dedicated to God.Mephistopheles approaches God and mocks Faust for his endless search for realiseing. He tells God that such character is a weakness that it is impossible to fully understand the cosmos. God allows Mephistopheles to tempt Faust. Mephistopheles is transparently happy, presumably because he knew that he could considerably sway Faust outside from God. In his study table, Faust reads s ome commentaries on the Bible and philosophical tracts. He is deeply sad because later studying so many tracts and books, he still cannot understand the mysteries of the universe.At some spot in time, he considers committing suicide. It is Easter Morning. Faust reads the first chapter of the Gospel of John. Mephistopheles then absolutely appeared disguised as a scholar. The two men talk and after which, Faust convinces him to return. . Mephistopheles then appears to Faust, this time in his true form. He offers Faust all the wonders of the realism in exchange for his soul. Faust immediately agrees (believing that the soul is not immortal) on the check into that he must experience the greatest pleasure that can be possibly attained.Mephistopheles agrees. A blood pact is then signed. Note the overt traditionalism of the first chapter of the play. Contrary to post-modernist criticism of the play, Mephistopheles is depicted not solo as the agent of Satan but also as the carrier wa ve of true evil. His proud stature as a fallen angel is a proof that he is fully capable of swaying men away from God. Indeed, Mephistopheles is not only Fausts bad conscience he is an bodily of evil a creature whose existence is independent from that of either Faust or his conscience.