Faust’s study.
Disappointed with life, the ageing philosopher Faust contemplates suicide. But he is turned from these sombre thoughts by the sound of young voices singing the praises of beauty and love. Faust wishes he could again enjoy the pleasures of life, and when he invokes the Devil, Mephistophélès appears in the guise of an elegant knight.

He tells Faust he is ready – in exchange for his soul – to grant him a new youth with all its joys and pleasure. To forestall any hesitation, Mephistophélès conjures up the image of the beautiful Marguerite. Faust agrees at once to the pact and, transformed into a young knight, he sets out with Mephistophélès.