Dr. Faust despairs that his search for the meaning of existence has been futile. He attempts suicide, but songs overheard from outside stay his hand. Longing for youth and pleasure, the philosopher calls on Satan. Méphistophélès appears, and replies that all can be done in exchange for Faust’s soul. Faust hesitates until the Devil conjures a vision of a beautiful young girl, Marguerite. A potion transforms Faust into a handsome youth.

A young officer, Valentin, asks his friend Siébel to protect his sister, Marguerite, in his absence. Wagner, a student, begins a song, but Méphistophélès interrupts, singing homage to gluttony and amazing the crowd with tricks. Valentin draws his sword when the Devil toasts Marguerite, but it shatters. The other soldiers, recognizing Satan, hold their swords like crosses to ward off the Devil. Faust meets Marguerite briefly before she is swept away by the crowd of dancers.

Siébel, watched by Faust and Méphistophélès, leaves flowers in Marguerite's garden. The Devil gives Faust a box of jewels that will outshine Siébel’s gift. When Marguerite arrives she sits by her spinning wheel singing to herself and trying to forget the handsome stranger she just met. Discovering the flowers and jewels, she is drawn to the gems. Méphistophélès conjures a night full of stars and distracts Marguerite’s neighbor as Faust reveals his presence to Marguerite. She confesses her love, but begs Faust to leave and rushes into her house. Finally she yields to his embraces as the Devil’s laughter is heard in the garden.

Marguerite, abandoned by Faust, has borne his child out of wedlock and is an outcast. Pursued by Méphistophélès, she seeks refuge in church. He curses her and threatens damnation.

Scene 2: In front of Marguerite’s house.

ACT V: Marguerite’s prison cell.