Faust | Charles Gounod

ACT  I  

Faust, disillusioned after a lifetime devoted to scientific study, contemplates ending his life. Feeling betrayed by God and life itself, he curses the heavens and summons the Devil. Méphistophélès appears, offering Faust anything he desires—wealth, power, or fame—but Faust craves only the vitality and innocence of youth. The Devil agrees to grant his wish, with one condition: while Faust will have mastery on earth, their roles will reverse in the afterlife. As Faust hesitates, Méphistophélès conjures a vision of Marguerite, a beautiful young woman, sealing Faust’s resolve. He signs the pact and is transformed into a younger version of himself.  

ACT II  

Valentin, preparing to leave for war, worries about the safety of his sister Marguerite in his absence. To lift spirits, Wagner begins a cheerful song, but the mood shifts when Méphistophélès interrupts. He foretells grim fates: Wagner’s death in battle, Siébel’s flowers withering, and Valentin meeting his end at the hands of someone close to the Devil. Méphistophélès further provokes the group by summoning superior wine to toast Marguerite, enraging Valentin. The two draw swords, but Valentin’s blade shatters, convincing everyone of Méphistophélès's infernal power. Later, Méphistophélès leads Faust to a gathering of dancing couples. There, Faust encounters Marguerite and offers her his arm. Though she politely declines, her charm leaves Faust captivated.  

ACT III  

Outside Marguerite’s home, Siébel picks flowers for her, but they wither as predicted by Méphistophélès. Using holy water, he revives them. Nearby, Faust and Méphistophélès watch in secret. Méphistophélès leaves a box of dazzling jewels for Marguerite, which she discovers and tries on, admiring her reflection in the mirror. Encouraged by her neighbor Marthe, Marguerite becomes intrigued by the transformation. Faust and Méphistophélès return, with the Devil distracting Marthe so Faust can woo Marguerite. Enchanted by his attention, Marguerite begins to fall for him. Méphistophélès conjures an enchanted garden for their tryst, and as Marthe departs, Marguerite realizes her deep feelings for Faust. Their love is consummated under the spell of the night.  

 ACT IV  

Marguerite, abandoned and pregnant with Faust’s child, still clings to her love for him, praying for his redemption and the safety of their unborn child. When Valentin returns with his fellow soldiers, Siébel tries to keep him from discovering Marguerite’s condition, but Valentin insists on confronting the truth.  

Outside Marguerite’s home, Méphistophélès performs a mocking serenade on Faust’s behalf, angering Valentin. He challenges Faust to a duel. With the Devil’s interference, Valentin is mortally wounded. As he dies, he curses Marguerite for her downfall. Heartbroken, she seeks solace in a church, but her prayers are interrupted by the menacing voice of Méphistophélès, condemning her soul. Overcome by fear and despair, Marguerite collapses.  

ACT V  

On Walpurgis Night, surrounded by demons, Méphistophélès shows Faust a vision of Marguerite’s tragic fate: imprisoned for infanticide and driven to madness. Overcome with guilt, Faust demands to rescue her.  

With Méphistophélès's assistance, Faust reaches Marguerite’s prison cell. She recognizes him and recalls their night of passion, stirring Faust’s pity and regret. However, Marguerite becomes terrified at the sight of Méphistophélès, seeing him as a harbinger of damnation. Crying out to heaven, she collapses and dies. Though Méphistophélès declares her condemned, angelic voices proclaim her soul’s salvation, leaving Faust to confront the consequences of his pact.