This book interprets Mon Faust and explores the differences between
Valéry's and Goethe's treatments of the Faust figure. The author shows
by close analysis how Valéry opposes a Cartesian, anti-Pascalian Faust
to Goethe's romantically flawed hero. The title of the project conceived
by Valéry's Faust, The Mind's Body-part autobiography, part
metaphysical treatise-embodies the Cartesian dilemma ironically
illustrated by the Mon Faust fragments: the misfortunes of the
thinking essence, the cogito, in its subjugation to the body.
The first three chapters examine the Cartesian character of a Faust
engaged in superhuman but vain attempts to reconcile the intellect and
the libido. A fourth chapter discusses the differences between Goethe's
and Valéry's protagonists and as well between Goethe and his Faust.
Throughout the book the author explores Valéry's linguistic
experimentation, which, through charades, paranomasia, onomastics, and
etymological puns, brings into full play the mystifying and
mythologizing aspects of language. To resolve the stylistic problems
associated with this fragmentary work the author adapts the tone of his
exegesis to the diverse stylistic levels of Mon Faust. His analysis
illuminates the Cartesian potential inherent in Valéry's protagonist.
Originally published in 1976.
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