SYNOPSIS OF FAUST

Act I

Alone in his study, the aged Dr. Faust broods that his lifelong search for the meaning of existence has been useless. He raises a goblet of poison to his lips but hesitates when he hears young people outside his window, awakening all the unfulfilled passions of his youth. Cursing life, the philosopher calls on the devil for help. Méphistophélès appears, and Faust tells him he craves youth and pleasure. This can be arranged if Faust will forfeit his soul. Faust hesitates until Méphistophélès produces a vision of the beautiful Marguerite. A magic potion transforms Faust into a handsome young man, and he leaves with Méphistophélès in search of Marguerite and pleasure (“A moi les plaisirs!”).

Act II

Soldiers and townspeople celebrate the local fair. A young officer, Valentin, asks his friend Siébel to protect his sister Marguerite when he leaves for the wars, and prays to God for his sister’s well-being (“Avant de quitter ces lieux”). Wagner, a student, begins a lively song but is interrupted by Méphistophélès who sings an homage to greed and gluttony (“Le veau d’or”). He astounds the crowd by creating a fountain of quality wine. When he proposes a toast to Marguerite, Valentin draws his sword, but it shatters. Recognizing Satan, the soldiers hold their sword hilts as crosses before Méphistophélès, who leaves in disgust. The townspeople return to their dance. Faust manages to meet Marguerite just before she is lost in the crowd of dancers.

Act III

Siébel, watched by Faust and Méphistophélès, leaves a humble bunch of flowers at the door of Marguerite’s home, and then leaves. Faust is enchanted with the small, simple house (“Salut demeure”). Méphistophélès returns with a box of jewels that he places near Siébel’s flowers. When Marguerite arrives in the garden, she sings a ballad about the king of Thule, trying to forget about the handsome stranger she met at the fair. She is touched by Siébel’s simple flowers, but is amazed by the box of jewels. Unable to resist the temptation, she tries on all the jewels (“Ah! Je ris”). Méphistophélès flirts with Marthe, the nosy elderly neighbor, so that Faust and Marguerite can be alone. Méphistophélès calls forth a night of stars to help in Faust’s seduction. Marguerite confesses her love for Faust and goes into the house. Méphistophélès mocks Faust and points to Marguerite, now in her window, still enraptured by the night of love. Faust enters the house as Méphistophélès laughs with contempt.

Act IV

Scene 1
Marguerite, pregnant and abandoned by Faust, seeks refuge in a church. Méphistophélès torments her with threats of damnation. She collapses.

Scene 2

Soldiers returning from the war gather in the town square (“Gloire immortelle”). Valentin questions Siébel about Marguerite but receives only vague answers. Faust, repenting his abandonment of Marguerite, arrives with Méphistophélès, who serenades the girl with a lewd ballad (“Vous qui faites”). Valentin comes out of the house and challenges Faust to a duel. At a crucial moment, Méphistophélès intervenes and Valentin is fatally wounded. Marguerite kneels by her brother, but he curses her with his last breath.

Act V

Marguerite lies sleeping on the floor of her prison cell, where she has been confined for the murder of her illegitimate child. Faust and Méphistophélès appear in the cell to help her escape. At first she is happy to see her lover and recalls their days of happiness together. But she refuses to move, and Faust realizes her mind has darkened. Méphistophélès steps forward to urge the couple to hurry, but Marguerite recognizes his true nature and calls on the angels to save her as she dies (“Anges purs! Anges radieux!). Méphistophélès claims her soul but is overruled by a choir of angels who announce her salvation.

Synopsis provided courtesy of the Metropolitan Opera.