Goethe's Deities of Vengeance

Although I had trouble placing some of this week’s readings within the overall narrative, I did think that many scenes had funny little segments and words of wisdom.
The “A Great Hall” scene in Act I of Faust II is described by the characters within it as an allegory and a pageant. One of the groups of allegorical figures is the Furies. The Furies are beautiful, but the Herald character, who introduces them, warns us that we shouldn’t assume they are pleasant, and not to forget “how doves like these can wound with serpent’s tongues.” (Line 5353)



The Furies then describe first-hand how they can damage lives and ruin relationships. I found Tisiphone’s lines amusing. She describes how she punishes the unfaithful – by giving them STDs.

Instead of using slander, I mix poison
sharpen steel, for faithless lovers!
late or soon, if you love others,
you’ll suffer in a vital organ. (Lines 5381 - 5384)