When you hear the word darkness, it is usually connected to the unknown. Whether it is a time or place, the unknown is usually feared, this insightful meaning is analyzed in both Faust and Heart of Darkness. Faust and Mr. Kurtz are both simply figures accustomed to experiencing new places and interactions with new societies; Both characters set out for these unknown places with a purpose in mind, their individuality is severely altered, and their personalities and morals change to varying degrees. The society around us has the power to tempt individuals; Faust and Mr. Kurtz set out in search of a certain desire, but these temptations stand like trees in their paths and they seem to find no way around them. Faust's only desire was to try to gain more knowledge from life, and so he makes a pact with the devil or the "baron", mestopheles and faust starts from the long years spent in his study with mestopheles to research and realize this desire in the outside world, simply by interacting with everyday life. Faust shows no weakness towards the lustful drinking in Auerbach's cellar, on the contrary he openly says that he is "inclined to leave immediately". (line: 2295) Here he maintains his individuality which he had clearly shown before entering the cellar when he said "I have never been comfortable with other people, they make me feel so small and constantly embarrassed". (lines: 2058-2060) the people around individuals have the ability to make someone feel “small” or less fortunate than another; some individuals are affected and others or not. Those who are affected undergo what is called secondary socialization, where their personality is influenced, changed and reformed according to these people. In the case of Faust; he shows no sign of weakness and does not try to fit in and therefore clearly shows that he does not enjoy himself like other men and therefore wants to leave. This did not affect his personality, but another temptation did, and that is the temptation of lust or love. His strong and powerful personality seems to change in the blink of an eye when he looks in the mirror in the witch's kitchen and sees the lady's image; he seems to forget everything especially his goal of seeking knowledge and his new goal becomes this woman and all he wants is to get to her.