Johann Wolfgang von Goethe1749–1832
The most important German poet, whose work helped shape world literature.
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Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is regarded as the most famous German-language writer and a central figure of Weimar Classicism. His epistolary novel The Sorrows of Young Werther made him known across Europe at a young age, while his drama Faust is still considered his principal work. Goethe was at once a poet, novelist, playwright and natural scientist, and worked for decades at the court of Weimar. His output ranges from Sturm und Drang to Classicism and had a lasting influence on the German language and culture.
What to know
- His principal work Faust, the great German drama - Hauptwerk Faust, das große deutsche Drama
- The epistolary novel The Sorrows of Young Werther - Der Briefroman Die Leiden des jungen Werthers
- Central figure of Weimar Classicism - Zentrale Figur der Weimarer Klassik
- Close friendship and collaboration with Schiller - Enge Freundschaft und Zusammenarbeit mit Schiller
- Also a poet and natural scientist (Theory of Colours) - Auch Lyriker und Naturforscher (Farbenlehre)
All theory, dear friend, is grey, but green is the golden tree of life. (from Faust)
Grau, teurer Freund, ist alle Theorie, und grün des Lebens goldner Baum. (aus Faust)