The First Part of the Tragedy, Lines 355-2527 Summary

The First Part of the Tragedy begins with Faust sitting in his den at night. The den is Gothic in style, dusty, moldy and filled with antiques passed down from Faust's father and ancestors. The room is gloomy and acts as a prison for Faust who rarely comes out save for holidays.

Faust discusses his extensive education including his studies in jurisprudence, medicine, philosophy and even theology. Although Faust has been named Doctor and Master of Arts, he feels that he has learned nothing. Nature still holds all of its secrets; secrets that are kept from Faust. Faust says it burns his heart to be so ignorant of all the world holds.

Faust talks to the moon as it shines in his window. Faust laments being inside steeped in...