Schiller und Goethe in Weimar 1794-1805

Summary

On July 20, 1794, Goethe and Schiller, two literary giants, meet and begin a powerful collaboration, marking the birth of Weimar Classicism. Though initially formal, their bond grows as they exchange manuscripts and ideas, striving to improve humanity through art and literature. Schiller, deeply committed to theater, creates masterpieces like 'Wilhelm Tell' that challenge political norms. Despite his growing fame, his health declines, and he passes away in 1805. Goethe, mourning the loss, reflects on Schiller's lasting influence and their profound connection that shaped German literary history.

Takeaways

• 📅 The 20th of July, 1794, became a pivotal date in German literary history with Goethe and Schiller meeting.
• 🤝 Schiller invited Goethe to collaborate on his literary journal 'Die Horen,' marking the beginning of their partnership.
• 🎨 Despite their different views, Goethe and Schiller aimed for the same goal: improving humanity through literature and art.
• 📝 Their collaboration led to a creative frenzy, exchanging and refining manuscripts, including Goethe's 'Faust' and Schiller's 'Wallenstein.'
• 📖 Schiller's famous play 'Wilhelm Tell' became a theatrical spectacle, advocating for freedom against oppression.
• 🏡 Schiller moved with his family to Weimar in 1799, where they found stability in their new home.
• 👑 Schiller, though now part of the aristocracy, continued to sign simply as 'Schiller' despite receiving an imperial diploma.
• 🎭 Schiller's 'Wilhelm Tell' premiered in March 1804, becoming a massive political and theatrical success in Germany.
• 💔 In May 1805, Schiller passed away after a long illness, leaving behind many unfinished works but a lasting legacy.
• 💬 Goethe, deeply affected by Schiller's death, expressed that he had lost 'the second half of his life.'

Q & A

What significant event took place on July 20, 1794, in the history of German literature?

On July 20, 1794, Goethe and Schiller, two of the greatest German literary figures, participated together in a meeting of the Natural Science Society. This marked the beginning of their collaboration and the Weimar Classicism era.

What was Schiller’s request to Goethe regarding his new literary magazine, and how did Goethe respond?

Schiller asked Goethe to contribute to his new literary magazine, 'Die Horen.' Goethe agreed, marking the beginning of their literary collaboration.

What common goal did Goethe and Schiller share despite their differing perspectives?

Goethe and Schiller both aimed to improve humanity through literature and art, despite having different viewpoints.

How did Goethe describe the impact of his relationship with Schiller?

Goethe remarked that Schiller had given him a 'second youth' and helped him rediscover his passion for poetry.

What major works emerged from the collaboration between Goethe and Schiller?

Significant works such as Goethe’s 'Faust' and Schiller’s 'Wallenstein' were produced during their collaboration.

What milestone did Schiller achieve for his family in 1799, and how did this affect their living arrangements?

In December 1799, Schiller and his family, which had grown to five members, moved to Weimar. Two years later, they settled permanently in a house on the Esplanade.

What did Schiller aim to achieve with his play 'Wilhelm Tell,' and what themes did it address?

'Wilhelm Tell' was designed to be a theatrical spectacle, addressing themes like tyrannicide and the defense of freedom against oppression. Schiller aimed to provoke political thought with this play.

How did Schiller’s health decline, and what were his final days like?

In the winter of 1804, Schiller became seriously ill. Despite brief improvements, he collapsed during a theater visit and suffered for nine days before passing away on May 9, 1805.

How did Goethe react to Schiller’s death, and how did he describe their relationship afterward?

Goethe expressed profound grief over Schiller’s death, stating, 'I lost with him the second half of my life.'

What legacy did Schiller leave behind after his death?

Schiller left behind numerous unfinished manuscripts and a body of work dedicated to the pursuit of human freedom and perfection through art. His works remain a significant part of German literary heritage.