Gretchen's memories, dreams and present give rise to imagery that allows insight into the soul of a woman with great depth of feeling and gives a unique face to this classic drama of hopelessness. Disappointed by her lover (Faust), out of hope and the wish to distract herself, Gretchen becomes enamored with the idea of a new lover (Mephisto). However, Mephisto cannot and will not be enough for her, either as a substitute or as a complement. The core of the matter lies elsewhere.