Today is the celebration of the birth of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe on August 28, 1749.  There may be no better day fit for an examination of his classic work, Faust.

Faust is an excellent tragic play in two parts.  It is considered Goethe’s magnum opus and perhaps the greatest work of German literature.  Part One deals with Faust’s deal with the devil in that he has sold it to the devil.  Part two has more to do with psychology, history,  politics, mysticism and philosophy.  Sadly, the second part was only released posthumously in 1832

This work may be read in its entirety starting here:

http://www.bartleby.com/19/1/7.html#3395

Alternatively, it may be listened in an audiobook format here: