An Antihero: Faust in Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's Faust
An antihero is a protagonist character in a given story that lacks the characteristics synonymous with a traditional hero, such as morals, bravery, and idealism. The antihero can often be depicted as doing the right thing, although this is often driven by the wrong motives, such as personal desires rather than religious convictions that encourage happiness.
Faust as the Antihero
Faust is the antihero of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's Faust since he is the villain of this story and instead of representing positive qualities, he portrays the negative characteristics of selfishness as in his life struggle. He chooses what makes him happy instead of depicting the positive morals associated with the protagonist. He is, for instance, easily persuaded by the devil, and he easily resorts to seeking guidance and support from Mephistopheles who helps him (Goethe 17.). He does everything in his power to gain power that he gives his soul to the Devil with the hope of achieving happiness and satisfaction. He, therefore, makes a contract with Mephistopheles which turns out to limit his happiness and security. He is also the anti-hero because he appears to be easily convinced by Mephistopheles to do wrong in the world so that he can achieve his selfish interests.
Faust's Negative Attributes
His selfish interests begin to make his negative attributes outweigh his positive ones as when his desire for Divine knowledge comes knocking, he is only seeking the knowledge for the benefit of humanity, but instead, he seeks this divine knowledge for his own benefit. He tries to tempt many into a morally wrong life like himself, explaining why ensures that he seduces Gretchen, a young lady who eventually gets pregnant, and gives birth to a child and drowns him. When Gretchen refuses to be rescued by Faust, she falls on the mercy of God with a repentant heart and is saved, while Faust continues to be manipulated by Mephistopheles.
Work Cited
Goethe, Johann Wolfgang. Goethes Faust. Рипол Классик, 1907.
