Historical references to FaustFaust IPlogo in heaven· The scene begins with the three Archangels, Raphael, Gabriel and Michael, who confess their inability to understand the majestic works of God. In the Christian tradition, Archangels are angels of higher rank and are associated with certain functions or responsibilities. In the “Prologue in Heaven” they personify the cosmos: Raphael describes and represents the heavens, Gabriel the earth and Michael the elements. · Mephistopheles. Goethe's devil is inspired by numerous different literary sources, not only Christian. The fundamental structure of the dialogue between the Lord and Mephistopheles is inspired by the first two chapters of the book of Job, in which Satan obtains permission from God to attempt to tempt Job to evil. · Faust. The real Georg (or Johann) Faust was born in 1480 and died in 1540. Although contemporary sources suggest that he was quite well known in Germany during his lifetime, his fame and notoriety are the result of an incredibly popular collection of anecdotes and stories (little credible) about him called the Volksbuch, published in 1587. The Volksbuch was an important source of inspiration. to Goethe and other authors while writing about Faust. Night · The opening monologue is an indirect adaptation of The Tragic Tale of Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe. · Faust has in his possession a book by Nostradamus (1503-66), the French astrologer, physician and prophet. · When Faust first opens the book of Nostradamus, he sees the sign of the macrocosm, which is a diagram of the organization of the cosmos.· The vision inspired by the sign of the macrocosm echoes Jacob's dream in Genesis 28,.... .. middle of paper ......hab, so that Ahab could take over the vineyards of his subjects. Referring to Naboth, Mephistopheles prepares us to await the death of Baucis and Philemon. Midnight · In medieval literature, allegorical figures symbolize the approach of death. The allegorical figures in “Midnight” also parallel the four horsemen of the Apocalypse: death, war, famine, and plague (see Revelations 6:1-8). Burial · In the original Faust legends, Faust is dragged to hell. Mephistopheles is unable to foul this time because Faust has never been so satisfied with the results of his efforts that he wants to stand still. Mephistopheles is able to take possession of Faust's soul only through deception. Mountain gorges · The anchorites – Pater Ecstaticus, Pater Profundus and Pater Seraphicus – are religious hermits who represent the mystical tradition of early Christianity.