Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the brilliant mind behind the 17th century epic poem "Faust", illustrates a combined structure of desire and self-indulgence. His idea was to capture the ideal image of good versus evil and how easily it can be misunderstood. "Of all the great dualities of man, the experience of 'good and evil' has been the most instrumental in shaping the beliefs, rituals and laws of Homo Sapiens." (Argano) As an enterprising poet and artist during the Age of Enlightenment; Goethe's poetry debates the far-reaching theory that man is willing to go further to achieve his goals. According to Adina Bodrogean, “The Enlightenment meant in English literature a break from previous trends in literature and cultural philosophy, points of view and ideas. The new spirit of the age was the strong faith in light and culture as the only means of influencing the nature of man.”(Bodrogean). Faust himself represents the Enlightenment; in his attempt to escape his tasteless life. “Successful people are always looking for opportunities to help others. Unsuccessful people always ask themselves, "What's in it for me?" -Brian Tracy. Faust is illustrated as an extremely sophisticated scholar and alchemist; a discontented man and is forced to gain a great deal of knowledge about the world around him Despite all his triumphs, Faust becomes strangely dissatisfied with the successes of his life: "Oh God, how I have toiled, with what results poor old fool, no I am none the wiser than when I began! ” (Goethe Lines 121-20). At the beginning of the epic, The Lord and Mephisto are brought into a very intricate conversation, openly discussing their thoughts on humanity Mephisto tr...... middle of paper ...... through the pursuit of personal gain. “What if evil didn't really exist? What if evil was something dreamed of by man, and there was nothing what to fight against if not our own limits? Our will, our desires and our choices?” (Bray) Works cited• Aragno, Anna "The devil within: a psychoanalytic perspective on the problems of psychoanalytic psychology 35.1 (2013): 101 -123". Academic research completed. Network. April 10, 2014.• Baym, Nina and Mary Loeffelholz. "Faust." Norton Anthology of American Literature. 7th ed. vol. C. New York: W. W. Norton &, 2007. 103-390. Print.• Bodrogean, Adina. "Enlightenment Ideas Reflected in English Literature of the Era." Scientific Journal of Humanities 5.9 (2013): 64-66. Academic research completed. Network. 10 April 2014.• Bray, Libba. Rebel angels. New York: Delacorte, 2005. 150. Print.