Themes of Hubris, Delusion, and Justice in Goethe's Faust

There is a great argument as to the real potential and limits of a human being about physical and cognitive ability. The contentious issues on the belief of magic, sorcery and witchcraft have been dominating societies’ culture since time immemorial. While some elements of culture and social practices cannot be empirically tested, it is at the discretion of any given individual to believe in the existence of supernatural powers and human ability to connect with the spiritual world or not. The myths surrounding people’s greed for power have been represented in literary works seen in novels, movies, and comic acts. While most authors, scene designers, and movie directors may be basing the contents of a given work on fiction, the inherent themes are always a representation of the world and the traits of human beings. Success in the work of art is based on the ability of an artist to incorporate creativity and audience analysis to ensure appropriate appeal and passage of a given message to the target group. While the setting of a piece of art can vary in time frame, the elements of human behavior are always evident. This essay will analyze the aspects of Hubris, Delusion, and Justice based on the acts in the play ‘Faust’ written by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Hubris (Act I)

In the play, ‘Faust,’ Goethe depicts how the aspect of hubris is dominant in human behavior. The characters in the play represent hubris which is a notion referring to an individual's excessive self-confidence or pride. Act I of the play is announced as not about great deeds or love in royal courts or wars but a tale of Faustus, who is a character in the comic scenes. The element of hubris is represented by Faustus in the work by Goethe. The manner in which Faustus translates and judges the actions of other people, as well as his own, is characterized by self-pride. Refereeing to the Chorus in the prologue, Icarus's story about Faustus alludes that ‘Waxen wings did mount above his reach’ (1, line 21). Faustus’ talent is depicted as the source of hubris in his character. Scene 1 Act 1 presents that Faustus viewed the law as a petty subject. However, Faustus takes logic, which is personified by Aristotle in the play, into consideration. Faustus believes that he can become a demi-god based on his abilities and confidence in him. The delight of the art of magic excites Faustus who also assumes that even the king’s powers are confined within territories. Also, Cornelius, in the play, exhumes hubris by alluding that with magic, they can uncover the treasure hidden in earth and seas. In Scene 5 (line 131), Faustus' Hubris is still evident as he dismisses the existence of hell, and Mephistopheles tells him, ‘Ay, think so still, till experience change thy mind.’ (Puchner, 34).

Delusion (Act IV)

It is common for human beings to believe in aspects of life despite being challenged by rational arguments and reality, especially during phases of denial in the face of a problem. Goethe in the play ‘Faust’ depicts the theme of delusion in human character through the characters in the artwork. Delusion, in some instances, can be prescribed to refer to a mental disorder as one strives to argue with reality. The trading of Faustus' soul to the devil drives him into a state of delusion, as witnessed in Act V (scene 1). Mephostophilis is now holding Faustus’s life ransom, and the desires of Faustus are determined by Mephostophilis. Faustus strives to cling to his belief in the abilities presented by the devil while also assessing the option of repenting. The Old Man in the play warns Faustus to repent, but the threats from Mephostophilis drive him to a retreat about his plans ((Puchner, 38). While speaking to the shape of Helen the Troy, Faustus states, ‘Here will I dwell for heaven is in those lips, and all is dross that is not Helena (Act V scene 1, line 103). The old man watches Faustus while arguing about relieving the myths of Greece. It is evident that Faustus is in a state of delusion. Faustus’ knowledge of good and evil ought to make him understand that his deeds are sinful and he cannot see heaven. However, Faustus is confident of being in heaven with Helen of Troy, whom he loves, despite the torture he receives from Mephostophilis and his reluctance to repent (Puchner, 42).

Justice (Act VI)

Humanity is in a continuous quest for fairness and justice. However, there is always a price for every action, as witnessed in cases where the powerful strive to maintain power while the poor face atrocities, including death while fighting for equality. In contemporary society, the establishment of a court system allows people to seek legal redress in the face of injustice in a court of law. The circumstances surrounding a case of injustice determine the avenues utilized by one in seeking justice. In Act VII of the Play, ‘Faust’, Faustus strives to seek justice for the death of his love, Helen of Troy. However, Faustus’ soul is being controlled by the devil, Mephistopheles. By trading his soul to Mephostophilis, Faustus hoped to avenge the death of a loved one and get justice (Puchner, 89). However, the turning of Faustus into a passionate killer is contrary to the quest for justice. Goethe, in the play, depicts how fairness is attained in society. In the long run, Faustus’ mission to attain justice comes at a larger cost.

Conclusion

Human societies are characterized by shortcomings that lead to evil and the shunning of the morality inherent in people’s traits. The personal attributes that can place one as a distinguished member of a society can also be a cause of downfall. In the case of ‘Faust’ by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the play is based on the ancient Roman Empire, but the themes in the work reflect the aspects evident in contemporary societies. Faustus’ talents and knowledge form a basis of strengths for the character; however, his sense of hubris drives him into soliciting supernatural powers. The repercussions of human actions are always negative if due diligence is not followed in decision-making. Delusion is imminent in cases where one makes wrong choices that bring forth dire consequences that are impossible to revert. Also, justice is an important tenet of progressive society. The quest for justice ought to be authentic with a consideration of the chosen means in bringing forth the desired result. The ‘Faust’ presents a ground for critical thinking on human nature and societal behaviors.

Work Cited

Puchner, Martin. The Norton Anthology of World Literature. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2013.