Dedication, Prelude on the Stage, and Prologue in Heaven Summary

The play Faust is a tragedy with the main character fighting against both Mephistopheles and his own lack of self-confidence. Faust signs a pact with Mephistopheles to serve him if Mephistopheles finds something that makes Faust want to live. Faust's search for earthly happiness ultimately leads to the destruction of a young girl through an unwed pregnancy and murder.

In his "Dedication" Geothe addresses a generation and a time long gone. However, he feels as if spirits of this long gone time and reviving to greet him. Geothe is saddened by the knowledge that the people who surrounded him when he was compiling Faust are no longer around or alive while a group of strangers instead enjoys his work. Geothe remembers these people and places with love...