In Goethe’s Faust, the correct answer is indeed option 3: "The chiming of the bells announcing Easter festivities." Here’s why:
In the first scene where Faust contemplates suicide, he is deeply disillusioned by the limitations of human knowledge and the despair it brings. However, just as he is about to end his life, he hears the joyful sound of Easter bells. This sound symbolizes renewal and hope, and it momentarily interrupts his despair. The ringing of the bells reminds him of the spiritual and symbolic significance of Easter, which represents resurrection and redemption. This spiritual awakening prevents him from committing suicide and leads him to reconsider his situation.
Here's a brief overview of why the other options are not correct in this context:
The intervention of archangel Gabriel: In the initial scene, there is no mention of archangel Gabriel intervening. Gabriel's role becomes more relevant later in the play.
His attendant Wagner persuades him to revoke the decision: Wagner is indeed Faust’s attendant, but he does not play a significant role in this particular scene. Faust is alone and is not influenced by Wagner’s persuasion at this moment.
Mephistopheles appears and offers to initiate him into magic art: Mephistopheles’ appearance and offer occur later in the play, not during this scene where Faust is considering suicide.
Thus, the chiming of the bells serves as a symbolic and dramatic intervention that helps Faust find a moment of reprieve from his suicidal despair.
Year-wise PYQs
