Faust as puppet theatre: its sacro-profane origins and influences on literary tradition

Abstract

In this article we intend to present the history of Faust through the puppet theatre tradition and its influences on literary works concerning the heretic doctor. Based on a true character, the legend of Faust goes back to the time of Lutheran reform. Since Spies Volksbuch, Faust worked as a warning example to the newborn belief that found in the technique of Puppet Theatre the ideal way to spread its ideology. Later on, warning became entertainment and also fascination towards this character, which gained fame with his fusion to the amusing Kasperltheater tradition. Following the traces of this evolution we can surely understand some of the directions the legend took in literary works such as Goethess Faust and Thomas Manns Doktor Faustus.