Faust by Johann
Wolfgang von Goethe is a short story that is about a scholar Faust, who goes on
a journey with the devil, and through his experiences he develops a complex
character. Faust’s character is very multifaceted, where he can be perceived as
a hero as he has great intentions and goals for himself and wants to benefit the
world, but on the other hand, certain actions and experiences throughout his
journey with the devil make him a terrible person. A person crosses the line to
becoming a villain when they negatively affect other people’s lives and have a
harmful impact on the world. Faust
crossed this line and became a villain when he met Gretchen and completely
ruined her life, innocence, and family. Originally
having goals to gain knowledge and learn as much as he could, Faust soon turned
into a selfish, greed driven antihero who only cared about what he wants
regardless of whom it hurt. In my opinion, despite having good morals and ambitions,
Faust became a villain when he destroyed Gretchen’s life. This short story is
so amusing to read because of the density of Faust’s character as he goes on
his journey.
