English R1B

Reading and Composition: The Faust Tradition

Other Readings and Media

"Goethe, Faust: A Tragedy (Norton Critical Edition)

Rose, ed., History of the Damnable Life & Deserved Death of Doctor John Faustus

Marlowe, Rasmussen, and Bevington, eds., Doctor Faustus and Other Plays

Palmer and More, The Sources of the Faust Tradition, from Simon Magus to Lessing"

Description

This course will focus on the Faust story, the legend of the magician (or scholar) who sells his soul to the Devil for love (or knowledge, or money). The Faust character has had a long life in legend and folklore, from early Christian times to the present day, and he incorporates some our most troubling and fundamental religious and philosophical problems: the struggle in man between good and evil, the desire for knowledge, impulses toward greed and lust. We will examine the evolution of the legend and its characters and elements. Comparative studies will provide ample opportunity to refine your writing and research skills, the practice of which will always be our first priority.