This work is the most famous play in all German literature. It was published in two parts. Part 1 is very dramatic and tells the main story. Part 2 is extremely long and it is meant to be read rather than acted out on stage. It is about Goethe's philosophy as well as about history and politics. This play is a retelling of the Faust legend which was very famous in Germany. The legend tells of a man called Faust who is tired of studying and wants to have the greatest possible happiness. The devil (usually called Mephistopheles, as he is in Goethe's play) tells Faust he can help him to do this, but that in the end Faust will have to give him his soul and go with him to hell. Faust makes a pact (an agreement) with Mephistopheles who promises him all his soul can wish for -- fine living, gold, women and honor. Faust signs the pact with his blood. Faust uses magic in the hope that it will tell him everything about life. However, in the end Mephistopheles wins his bet.