Chorus (by Goethe)

Chorus embodies the central tool for depicting feelings and plot dynamics. Its usage dates back to the ancient Greek drama, of which Goethe was an admirer. The chorus is a voice that distinguishes from the author's intonations and voices of a bystander. It is more objective in own judgments than the viewer or personages.

It is the chorus that serves as the mouthpiece of public opinion, interpreting the event from the viewpoint of accepted ethical or moral norms of a certain period. Its comments may be affirmative or improper, depending on the behavior of the protagonists. The choir plays a tremendous role in explaining the magnitude of divine providence in the fate of the character.

The chorus pays attention to the details, unnoticed by careless listeners. Absorbed only in emotions, we forget about the context of the work, not grasping the philosophical essence. In particular, Goethe uses choral digressions to summarize or formulate tips.

In the tragedy Faust, the choir is intended to announce the subsequent scenes, fill in the gaps associated with the childhood and youth of the doctor, as well as inform about the respectable reputation of the great scientist. Moreover, choral singing gives an idea of the personal problems of Faust and the evolution of his worldviews. The viewer gets a chance to see the early years of the protagonist, to get acquainted with his temper, and only after such a brief overview to embark on a long journey.

At the final stage, Goethe assigns the chorus the role of guide for the next generation. The litterateur asks to admonish the wise men, resist the temptations, abide by the law and devote themselves to hard work. Unlike the Greek analogs, the Faust choir appears at the beginning, middle and end of the play where the voices of mourners sound.