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steveatwaywords's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
There is little reason to repeat a summary of this famous tale. Book 1 is a more worldly story (and for that, the more compelling) and Book 2 is highly symbolic and abstract. Each are worthy of heavy study to appreciate the breadth of Goethe's vision, though most who think of the story attempt to speak it in two sentences, a real crippling of what is here. Decidedly, Goethe is not merely telling the story of a "deal with the devil."
The Priest translation was a delight to read, but also somewhat troubling. Though recommended by Thomas Mann (high praise), it is an earlier English translation and makes some choices that are perhaps problematic. All in rhythmic and rhymed verse (following Goethe's style), Priest could not have accomplished this and also retained all of Goethe's meaningful nuances. While this version does not have the original German text alongside it (and I can scarce read German in any event), it is difficult to make a measure of its accuracy. For this read, then, I enjoyed the musical and poetic spirit of the drama, recognizing that some of the details I met were likely altered in some way. I will seek a different translation for more careful study.
In the meantime, if you are looking for a worthy English translation that captures the fundamental story of Faust's (and, of course, Mephistopheles's) journey, I recommend it.
The Priest translation was a delight to read, but also somewhat troubling. Though recommended by Thomas Mann (high praise), it is an earlier English translation and makes some choices that are perhaps problematic. All in rhythmic and rhymed verse (following Goethe's style), Priest could not have accomplished this and also retained all of Goethe's meaningful nuances. While this version does not have the original German text alongside it (and I can scarce read German in any event), it is difficult to make a measure of its accuracy. For this read, then, I enjoyed the musical and poetic spirit of the drama, recognizing that some of the details I met were likely altered in some way. I will seek a different translation for more careful study.
In the meantime, if you are looking for a worthy English translation that captures the fundamental story of Faust's (and, of course, Mephistopheles's) journey, I recommend it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Violence
Moderate: Death
Minor: Child death
linnylionheart's review
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Grief, Murder, Abandonment, Alcohol, and War
Moderate: Child death, Death of parent, and Classism
Minor: Blood and Antisemitism
lynxpardinus's review against another edition
dark
reflective
2.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Religious bigotry, Murder, and War
Moderate: Child death, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Fire/Fire injury
littleredhat's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
In this renowned tale, philosopher and scientist Faust makes a dark deal with the demon Mephistopheles: selling his soul to the Devil in exchange for untold knowledge and power. Part I explores his doomed romance with, and the corruption and destruction of, the virtuous maiden Gretchen. Part II follows Faust's journey through time and space: manipulating an Emperor and pursuing the famed beauty, Helen of Troy. Has Faust fallen into mortal peril, or does his soul still have a chance of salvation?
Although this particular translation has been performed, its poetic stucture makes it function as a read-only text, even though it is sometimes slow-flowing and a little difficult to read. Heavy symbolism and some truly complex, lyrical language features here, especially in Part II... where a working knowledge of Greco-Roman myth also helps a bunch. I personally preferred Part I of the play, as I became quite invested in the story of Faust and Gretchen, and Mephistopheles gets some great fourth-wall breaks and some really witty lines.
A classic story that should be read and enjoyed, but I'd understand if you preferred a lighter version with more accessible language!
Although this particular translation has been performed, its poetic stucture makes it function as a read-only text, even though it is sometimes slow-flowing and a little difficult to read. Heavy symbolism and some truly complex, lyrical language features here, especially in Part II... where a working knowledge of Greco-Roman myth also helps a bunch. I personally preferred Part I of the play, as I became quite invested in the story of Faust and Gretchen, and Mephistopheles gets some great fourth-wall breaks and some really witty lines.
A classic story that should be read and enjoyed, but I'd understand if you preferred a lighter version with more accessible language!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Murder, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, and War
nerdkitten's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Religious bigotry, and Murder
Moderate: Confinement, Mental illness, and Misogyny
Minor: Child death, Sexual content, and Grief