Goethe, Schiller und die „Weimarer Klassik“

Summary

This video delves into the fascinating lives of two of Germany's greatest literary figures, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller. It explores their close friendship, their groundbreaking works, and their impact on literature, including how Goethe’s 'Faust' and Schiller’s plays became cornerstones of German culture. The video also discusses the Weimar Classicism era they are associated with, their influence on literature, and how their legacies were later politicized. The video offers insights into their personal struggles, literary achievements, and the enduring importance of their works in shaping modern German literature.

Takeaways

• 😀 Goethe and Schiller are two of Germany's most famous authors, whose names are often mentioned together due to their close relationship and literary impact.
• 😀 Goethe's fame began with works like 'The Sorrows of Young Werther', which inspired a fashion trend among young men, and he became a celebrated writer at a young age.
• 😀 Goethe's career also saw him working as an official in the small duchy of Weimar, where he held various administrative positions while continuing his literary pursuits.
• 😀 Schiller, like Goethe, became a celebrated writer early in life, with his play 'The Robbers' gaining immediate success. However, he had a tumultuous relationship with his employers.
• 😀 Both authors were key figures in the 'Sturm und Drang' literary movement, which emphasized emotional intensity and rebellion against societal conventions.
• 😀 Goethe and Schiller’s personal friendship began in 1794, after they had initially distanced themselves from each other. Their relationship became central to the Weimar Classicism period.
• 😀 The Weimar Classicism period was marked by their focus on humanist ideals, such as tolerance, balance between emotion and reason, and classical antiquity as a model for writing.
• 😀 Goethe’s famous works like 'Faust' and Schiller’s 'Wallenstein' series are prime examples of their approach during the Weimar Classicism era, drawing on classical influences.
• 😀 After Schiller’s death at 45, Goethe continued to influence German literature, with their works being increasingly revered as national symbols during the 19th century.
• 😀 Despite their lack of strong nationalistic sentiments, Goethe and Schiller were adopted as national heroes by 19th-century German nationalism, with many monuments and celebrations in their honor.

Q & A

Why are Goethe and Schiller often mentioned together in German literature?

Goethe and Schiller are often mentioned together because of their deep personal and professional relationship. They were close friends for over a decade, influencing each other's work and contributing significantly to the literary movement known as the Weimar Classicism.

What unusual object did Goethe acquire in September 1826?

In September 1826, Goethe acquired the skull of Friedrich Schiller, the deceased poet, and displayed it in a glass case in his home, even writing a poem titled 'Bei Betrachtung von Schillers Schädel' (When Contemplating Schiller's Skull).

How did Goethe's early works influence fashion?

Goethe's novel 'The Sorrows of Young Werther' inspired a fashion trend, where young men dressed like the protagonist, wearing a yellow vest, blue tailcoat, and grey felt hat, known as 'Werther fashion.'

What major step did Goethe take in 1786 and why?

In 1786, Goethe made a radical decision to leave the Weimar court and spend two years in Italy, a period that significantly influenced his creative output and personal development.

What was Schiller's early career before becoming a writer?

Schiller initially studied medicine and worked as a doctor in the army of the Duke of Württemberg. However, his true passion was for literature, and he eventually focused on writing plays.

What event sparked the rise of both Goethe and Schiller as renowned writers?

Both Goethe and Schiller gained widespread fame after the success of their early works. Goethe's 'The Sorrows of Young Werther' and Schiller's 'The Robbers' became immediate sensations, marking them as celebrated writers at a young age.

What common literary movement did Goethe and Schiller belong to?

Goethe and Schiller were key figures in the 'Sturm und Drang' (Storm and Stress) literary movement, which emphasized strong emotions, individualism, and a break from classical norms.

How did Goethe and Schiller react to the French Revolution?

Both Goethe and Schiller were initially critical of the violence of the French Revolution but later sought to promote ideals of humanity, tolerance, and a balance between emotion and reason in their later works.

What is the significance of Weimar in Goethe and Schiller's lives?

Weimar played a central role in both Goethe and Schiller's lives, as it was where they became close friends, collaborated, and were both awarded noble titles by the Duke. Weimar was also a cultural hub at the time, fostering their intellectual and creative growth.

Why is the term 'Weimar Classicism' sometimes criticized?

The term 'Weimar Classicism' is sometimes criticized because it oversimplifies the complex literary contributions of Goethe and Schiller and implies they were the sole figures in shaping an entire literary era, while other writers also played significant roles.