This article discussing the themes of the story was originally published on August 19, 2023.
Selling Your Soul - The Art of the Faustian Bargain
The Devil’s Disciple began as a short story I wrote for a Reedsy competition, but I’ve since decided to expand it into a novella. I wanted to make the story longer, yet still more concise than a traditional novel, because I feel it’s a unique take on a theme that has always fascinated me. From childhood, I’ve been drawn to “deal with the devil” stories, first through cartoons and later, as an adult, through works like Faust.
My fascination deepened when I discovered Falling Angel by William Hjortsberg, a gripping blend of psychological thriller and detective fiction with a Faustian twist. Its film adaptation, Angel Heart, is one of my top five favorite movies, and it left a lasting impression on me. Inspired by these influences, I realized my short story had the potential to become something greater. I’m excited that The Devil’s Disciple will be a novella with a plan to release by the end of 2025.
The major theme in The Devil’s Disciple is The Faustian Bargain (or Faustian Deal). This theme has been creeping up in literature for a very long time. It has been done numerous times and yet it remains as one of the most interesting stories ever told. I have read a ton of stories that had Faustian Deal themes and despite being similar, the stories were still fresh and original.
The idea of the Faustian deal represents making a deal with the devil or dark forces, often in exchange for power, wealth, or other personal gains. This theme finds itself at the core of The Devil’s Disciple, where I crafted a tale filled with despair, success, and an exploration of the human soul.
This theme explores the limits of human ambition and the consequences of transgressing moral bounds.
Contents
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Synopsis of The Devil's Disciple
The Devil’s Disciple follows Detective James Morgan, a celebrated NYPD investigator haunted by a horrific event that shattered his family. A decade after rebuilding his life and career, James is handed a cold case that unravels a sinister mystery tied to the city’s underworld and perhaps something far darker. As the investigation deepens, James is forced to confront not only the evils around him, but the darkness within. Blending psychological suspense with supernatural intrigue, The Devil’s Disciple explores the cost of justice, the burden of past choices, and the thin line between salvation and damnation.
Origins
It all started in medieval Germany when the theme was rooted in the legend of Faust. During the late 16th century, the tale of Johann Faust was first published as a small pamphlet. It talks about a scholar who was dissatisfied with the limits of traditional forms of knowledge makes a pact with the Devil through Mephistopheles. In exchange for his soul, the scholar seeks unlimited knowledge and worldly pleasures.
The Faust Legend Evolves
Various European writers contributed to the popularity of the legend of Faust. Christopher Marlowe’s play, The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus, premiered around 1592 and is considered one of his most notable works. Marlowe’s interpretation provided a strong framework for the development of the theme, highlighting Faustus’s inner struggle, his desires, and the tragic repercussions of his bargain.
Goethe’s Faust
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s Faust, published in two parts (Part One in 1808 and Part Two in 1832), is considered the most significant reinterpretation of the Faust legend. Goethe’s version took the story and made it a thought-provoking philosophical drama about redemption, enlightenment, and the human spirit. Unlike in earlier versions, Goethe’s Faust is not ultimately damned. But instead, he’s looking for redemption and gets saved, hinting at the chance of forgiveness and a fresh start.
Modern Interpretations
In today’s world, the Faustian deal is everywhere in books, movies, and music. These adaptations often explore current issues using the theme, like ethical dilemmas from scientific advancement, the corrupting force of ambition, and the human ability for both moral failings and redemption. Novels like The Last Days of Jack Sparks by Jason Arnopp and Heart-Shaped Box by Joe Hill are great examples of how the Faustian Deal theme is relevant today.
What Writers Can Learn
Date: 1720
From: The History of Witches and Wizards
Public Domain
Exploring Universal Themes
The Faustian bargain is a theme that resonates with a broad audience because it deals with universal human desires and fears. Writers can learn to craft stories that speak to shared human experiences, making their work more engaging and relatable.
Example: A writer could write a story about a young musician trading something precious for fame, reflecting on the desire for success and recognition. The theme could resonate with a wide audience.
Building Complex Characters
The Devil’s Disciple offers a nuanced portrayal of its protagonist, exploring his motivations, desires, and moral struggles. Writers can learn to develop characters with depth, making them more real and compelling to readers.
Example: A writer could create a protagonist faced with an impossible moral decision. By diving deep into the character’s internal struggles and moral complexities, the writer creates a character that feels real and relatable.
Creating Suspense and Ambiguity
Writers can learn to cultivate suspense and ambiguity to make their stories more thought-provoking and engaging.
Example: Crafting a story with an ambiguous ending, could keep readers pondering long after they finish reading. This mirrors the unsettling uncertainty in the ending of many Faustian Bargain stories.
Utilizing Symbolism and Literary Devices
Symbolism and other literary devices can add layers of meaning to a story. Writers can learn to use these tools effectively to enrich their storytelling and provide readers with a more profound reading experience.
Example: Using symbolism, like a broken mirror to represent shattered illusions, can add depth to a story. In the film Angel Heart (1987), Harry Angel (Mickey Rourke), sees himself in the mirror and is taken back to an unfamiliar dark past.
Connecting with Other Works
The connection of The Devil’s Disciple to other well-known works of literature and film shows an awareness of the broader literary context. Writers can learn to enrich their works by drawing connections with existing literature, creating a conversation between their work and the works of others.
By acknowledging these literary predecessors, writers create a dialogue between their work and the broader literary tradition.
Understanding Consequences
This story reminds us that our choices always come with consequences, some darker than we expect. As writers, we have the unique power to craft stories that don’t just entertain, but also resonate deeply. We challenge readers to reflect on their own morals and question the ethics behind their everyday decisions.
Research and Inspiration
Studying stories with similar themes can help writers find inspiration. They can also better understand how to approach complex topics. The Devil’s Disciple offers valuable lessons on building a strong narrative, especially when examined alongside related works.
For example, a writer interested in temptation and moral compromise could look at The Picture of Dorian Gray or Needful Things. These books show different ways authors handle similar themes. Analyzing them can spark new ideas for a writer’s own story, much like The Devil’s Disciple.
By exploring these examples, writers discover how the Faustian theme can be adapted to different contexts. They can also learn more about character development, symbolic storytelling, and addressing universal ideas in fresh ways.
A book from Ed Simon,
Below is a list of literature and films that explore the Faustian Deal.
Literature
Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
A two-part play that tells the story of Dr. Faust, a scholar who makes a pact with Mephistopheles, the Devil’s representative, trading his soul for unlimited knowledge and worldly pleasures.
Falling Angel by William Hjortsberg
A hard-boiled detective descends into a dark world of voodoo, black magic, and a sinister plot that challenges the boundaries between the living and the dead, as he investigates a missing person case tied to a Faustian pact.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
Dorian Gray sells his soul to ensure that his portrait ages while he remains young and handsome. This leads to a life of hedonism and moral decline, reflecting the consequences of such a dark bargain.
Needful Things by Stephen King
In a small town, a new shopkeeper provides residents with objects they desire most, but at a terrible price. The bargains lead to chaos, destruction, and reveal the darker aspects of human nature.
The Devil and Daniel Webster by Stephen Vincent Benét
A classic short story about a farmer who enlists the help of the legendary lawyer Daniel Webster to win back his soul after making a pact with the Devil for seven years of prosperity.
The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov
The Devil visits Moscow, creating chaos and reflecting the corruption of the society. The novel interweaves the Faustian theme with political satire and allegory.
Films
Faust (1926) Adaptation of Faust
A silent film directed by F.W. Murnau, Faust is a cinematic adaptation of Goethe’s play. The story follows an aging alchemist who makes a deal with Mephistopheles, exchanging his soul for youth, knowledge, and pleasure. As he enjoys his newfound power, he becomes aware of the heavy price he must pay for it.
Angel Heart (1987) [A personal favorite] Adaptation of Falling Angel
A private investigator is hired to find a missing person, only to discover that he’s entangled in a dark, supernatural plot involving voodoo and a Faustian bargain that he unknowingly made.
A young lawyer is recruited by a prestigious law firm, only to discover that his boss is the Devil. The story explores themes of temptation, corruption, and the cost of success.
A pregnant woman discovers that her husband has made a pact with a Satanic cult to offer their unborn child to the Devil. It’s a chilling exploration of betrayal, desperation, and evil forces.
Bedazzled (1967) (link to DVD)
A comedy where the main character makes a deal with the Devil, trading his soul for seven wishes. The film humorously explores the unexpected consequences of each wish.
Final Thoughts
The Faustian bargain in The Devil’s Disciple goes beyond basic storytelling. It dives deep into human psychology, ethics, and the struggle between good and evil. By weaving in timeless literary elements and echoing famous works from literature and film, The Devil’s Disciple offers a fresh and compelling perspective on this classic theme.
Rich symbolism and thought-provoking themes encourage readers to reflect on human desires and the difficult choices we face. Ultimately, the story challenges us to ask ourselves: What are we truly willing to sacrifice for success? In a world where ambition often blinds us to consequences, The Devil’s Disciple stands as a powerful reminder that every desire has its price.
The short story was submitted on Reedsy into Contest #190.
Below is my short story The Devil’s Disciple. If you enjoyed it, you’ll enjoy my other short stories.
Have fun reading!
*The Devil's Disciple*
The Devil’s Disciple is currently being expanded and updated into a full-length novella.
Stay Tuned!
