Figure of Faust in Valery and Goethe An Exegesis of "Mon Faust" [Hardcover]

This book interpretsMon Faustand explores the differences between Val?ry's and Goethe's treatments of the Faust figure. The author shows by close analysis how Val?ry opposes a Cartesian, anti-Pascalian Faust to Goethe's romantically flawed hero. The title of the project conceived by Val?ry's Faust,The Mind's Body-part autobiography, part metaphysical treatise-embodies the Cartesian dilemma ironically illustrated by theMon Faustfragments: the misfortunes of the thinking essence, thecogito, in its subjugation to the body.

The first three chapters examine the Cartesian character of a Faust engaged in superhuman but vain attempts to reconcile the intellect and the libido. A fourth chapter discusses the differences between Goethe's and Val?ry's protagonists and as well between Goethe and his Faust. Throughout the book the author explores Val?ry's linguistic experimentation, which, through charades, paranomasia, onomastics, and etymological puns, brings into full play the mystifying and mythologizing aspects of language. To resolve the stylistic problems associated with this fragmentary work the author adapts the tone of his exegesis to the diverse stylistic levels ofMon Faust. His analysis illuminates the Cartesian potential inherent in Val?ry's protagonist.

Originally published in 1976.

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