istence. His devotion to who and what he is makes him a heroic figure. Understanding why mankind exists, and in what terms it exists, is important enough for Faust to risk damnation. This purity of purpose and being parallels Sartre's contention that the people who should be admired are those who hold true to their natures.
The "Prologue in Heaven" introducing Faust, Part One, sets the theme of the epic. When Mephistopheles, or Satan, enters the room of God, he finds three archangels singing the praises of God and His creations. Mephistopheles criticizes what he views as empty praise of an imperfect creation. When asked what is not perfect, Mephistopheles points out that after the Fall of Man, reason and intellect have made mankind miserable. After some debate, God and Mephistopheles make a wager that man will ultimately find redemption.
The object of the wager between the Lord and Satan is Faust, a scientist confounded by existence and his own alientation. If Faust does not find faith in creation, Satan may have his soul; otherwise Satan must admit that mankind will find redemption. In Goethe's epic, it is clear Mephistopheles, or Satan, is meant to test men, either proving that they are unworthy of Heaven or that they are indeed faithful to God and Truth.
In what many might view as a heresy, Faust's drive to understand universal truths is eventually rewarded, despite the consequences of his actions throughout the poem. In the final scene of Faust, the main character is about to be burried. While the devil and his demons wait to carry the soul of Faust away to Hell, angels appear to rescue Faust's soul and take it to Heaven.
Of course Satan argues that Faust and he made a deal, which gives him the right to Faust's soul. The angels counter that by seeking Truth Faust has proven himself worthy of mercy. Though he dies without faith in himself or the existence of universal truth, Faust is accepted into Heaven by God.