As I think I mentioned in an earlier post, recently I have been taking an interest in the Faust story, in its various tellings. It is a long time since I listened to the Gounod version, and today I decided that I would refresh my memory. Immediately I was struck by the enormous differences between various versions of the tale. One detail in the Gounod version leapt out at me.
After Mephistopheles has persuaded Faust to sign away his soul, Faust is reluctant to take advantage of the new possibilities offered to him. His original motive for accepting the devil’s offer, having rejected wealth, power and glory, was that he might regain his youth. When offered the possibility of realising this, however, he displays reluctance. “Youth is calling you,” Mephisto urges him. “Be bold enough to look at it.”
There’s a thought! Would I (would any of us) have the courage to face our youth again?