Talk:Goethe's Faust

German quotations
I expanded the article from its previous state; among other things, I added the original German quotations, but not speaking any German, I may have left out parts of quotes. Please change them if needed. 79.71.113.135 19:40, 20 September 2009 (UTC)

Hegel
I added the longish quotation that begins with "Verachte nur Vernunft und Wissenschaft" because I was trying to understand the quotation from Hegel's Elements of the Philosophy of Right because the version I am using quotes the German Goethe without translating it into English. When I went looking for the quotation online, it looks to me like Hegel slightly misquoted Goethe. I tried to provide my own translation of the Hegel quotation by comparing it to what was in the original German and then using a German-English dictionary to try to understand what was different about Hegel's version. Someone who speaks German should probably check to make sure that my translation is accurate and provide a better translation if it is not. 71.194.10.186 00:25, 31 January 2010 (UTC)

Goethe's Faust Translation
I have read the main page. I am German, living in Australia for over 30 years and, through being a writer, I have acquired some sense for English.

Goethe is my most revered thinker and writer. Faust has always intrigued me. When I was young it was the magic in his wording but I had not much understanding. Now, being an "old, true child" some understanding has been revealed.

It is, therefore, that I find some of the translation disappointing because it focuses far too much on wordsmithing and sacrifices meaning. Goethe's brilliance shows in the combination of his deep understanding of human nature and his inspiration, his passion that must break out. That it rhymes comes almost accidentally, provided by his talent.

I am not sure where to go from here. Your support is appreciated. Thank you.