What Is Project Faust?

THE IDEA

I first came up with this crazy scheme after watching "Ao no Exorcist," an anime that features "Sir Mephisto" as one of the main characters. Strange, I know: I was going to say I got the idea "while I was in the shower," but that's a bit cliched. Still, no matter how odd the beginning, the idea of "Sir Mephisto," an obvious Mephistopheles character, being re-imagined for an animated series really stuck with me as an irreverent portrayal of a flamboyant demon who, of course, is always willing to strike a bargain to get what he wants. 

Sir Mephisto Pheles, Ao no Exorcist

This re-visioning brought to mind the Mephistopheles archetype in the Western world: A demon who serves the devil, and at Satan's bidding goes to Johann Faust with a bargain of unlimited worldly delights in exchange for Faust's soul. Even those who aren't conversant with the idea of Mephistopheles know some version of Faust's bargain and his punishment: In fact, one could argue that after Adam and Eve the tale of Faust is second to none in personifying "a deal with the devil."

But what, really, do we know about Faust-- the actual literary phenomenon? Like so many old parables and lengthy epics, the story of Faust has sort of faded into a societal muddle of half-truth and outright lie. In theory, if one was to look for the truth it should be in the source of the social idea: A mystic composition of the trials of Johann Faust, which most people had never "gotten around" to reading. So, I simply asked myself, "who do I know who has actually read Faust?"

THE CHALLENGE

After asking around and doing some research, I discovered that I had the wrong question entirely; not to mention the wrong idea about Johann Faust, Mephistopheles, and the whole literary trope. The truth of the matter is, there is no "Faust." Instead there are many tales, epics, plays, and even novels about Faust and his bargain with the Devil: None of which are definitive, and most of which have no solid origins beyond sketchy folktales. 

After reading various accounts of the tale of Faust, it became clear to me that there are three or four so-called "definitive" works about Faust: Goethe's Faust, Murnau's Faust, Mann's Doctor Faustus, and finally Marlowe's Doctor Faustus. 

It would follow that, in order to truly understand Faust, one should be versed in all versions of Faust. In other words, to be broad enough to encompass all aspects and narrow enough not to go completely mad, a person should read all four of the great Faustian masterpieces. In order to fully comprehend each title, such a person should read other critiques of said masterpieces. And finally, to truly test your knowledge of the subject, such a person should be able to portray their own version of Faust.

THE PROJECT FAUST

After reviewing my own criteria, I have decided to attempt the challenge. I will read the four classic versions of Faust, and I will research different schools of critique and scholarly argument on each work. And finally, if I still have a brain left to think with, I will attempt my own version of Faust. 

For better or for worse, the Project has begun.