On another level Mephisto represents the negative elements in Faust's own personality. As a result he never fully understands Faust, makes inadequate plans for the seduction of his victim, and is finally defeated by Love, a force which he never recognized or comprehended. At the same time, however, his vision is narrow and his total outlook is wrong. Mephisto's specific observations about humanity and the universe are usually right, because it is easy for him in his role as a "cosmic outsider" to discern real faults in the established system. Through his unrelenting efforts to corrupt and destroy the protagonist, Mephisto forces him to react with positive action, and is thus the agent of his ultimate salvation. This view is emphasized by Mephisto's relationship with Faust. This is first indicated by his presence at the side of God in the "Prologue in Heaven," which implies that evil is an accepted and natural part of God's universal system. Ironically, although Mephisto represents evil, he can also be an unconscious force for good. Mephisto's most outstanding characteristic is skepticism the inability to believe in anything. He is a cultivated, witty, and cynical exponent of materialism and nihilism, and preaches a sophisticated doctrine of philosophical negation. Goethe's Mephisto is very different from the crude devil of medieval legend and the original Faust story. The Main Theme of Faust - A Metaphysical Quest.The Relationship of the Two Parts of Faust.Part 2: Act V: Mountain-Gorges, Forest, Cliff, Wilderness.Part 2: Act V: The Great Outer-Court of the Palace.Part 2: Act IV: The Rival Emperor's Tent.Part 2: Act III: Inner Courtyard of a Castle.Part 2: Act III: Before the Palace of Menelaus in Sparta.Part 2: Act II: Classical Walpurgis Night: Pharsalian Fields, By the Upper Peneus, By the Lower Peneus, By the Upper Peneus (II), Rocky Caves of the Aegean.Part 2: Act I: State Rooms and Baronial Hall.Part 2: Act I: Spacious Hall and Pleasure Garden.Part 1: Walpurgis Night's Dream or the Golden Wedding of Oberon and Titania - A Lyrical Intermezzo.
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