Transformations of the Faust Myth

Abstract

An analysis and interpretation of a collection of five short prose pieces by Petr Stančík, referred to as legends, are linked by the story of Faust, and his house in Prague, standing in the Prague New Town. It contains many mysteries, secrets and surprising aspects. This material has been spread by an oral tradition similarly as with tales, myths and legends and has been adapted many times as novels, plays and films depending on when it came about and from which perspectives the characters and plot details were perceived. Stančík decided to retell the Faust myth for young people, connecting up entertainment with both teaching and even moralizing. The study makes reference to the genre variability, which is connected not only with its frequent inclination toward sub-genres, but also to the intertwining of history with fantastic moments and the visuality of fictional narratives. The terms modus and so-called modality, which underline in the wider cultural contexts the tragic character and fatality of the Faust intercourse with the diabolic temptation, is also applied in it. Also of importance is the authorial poetics of the narrative commentaries, which lead to considerations about the presence of the authorial subject in the literary work.