Each of the following studies considers dialectic and the problems inherent in Faustian striving. Each concerns the story of the dialectical quest as reflected in the rise and fall of German literature from the age of idealism to the age of nihilism. Inasmuch as this literature has always been characterized by a religious or quasi-religious striving for infinity revealed in finite symbols, for absolutes in the heart of the contingent, this story exceeds, of course, the scope of this volume. The following studies illustrate an initial stage, represented by Lessing, in order to set off against the promise of progressive and
unending enlightenment the final act of the tragedy as represented by Nietzsche, Mann and Kafka. Certain scenes of the drama, such as Goethe's Faust or the Hegelian tradition, could not be fitted into this book. Yet the rationale which underlies the development of its theme should be readily apparent.