“It is obvious (...) that a system arranged according to the rules of art is only concerned with proofs; that proof is a sort of demonstration, (...) rhetorical demonstration is an enthymeme, which, generally speaking, is the strongest of rhetorical proofs and lastly, that the enthymeme is a kind of syllogism.” [my Italics] Aristotle, one of the most reviewed ancient philosophers, whose intentions are still a highly significant counterpart in modern studies of philosophy as well as literature, emphasizes in his Rhetoric the steady necessity of rhetoric in general and its further progress particularly. Rhetoric has to be a proportion of personification, but it also ought to be a symbol underlining the importance of the political framework. The resulting question, therefore, might be, how to use persuaders or rather how to initiate an argument to be convincing. In addition Aristotle summarizes his ideas as an important part of historical review meaning the usefulness of various arguments over several centuries.
Reception studies take care of Aristotles´ announcements. The reception of Classical sources in current texts or theories offers both an interpretation of ancient material and the connection between the Classical scholar or writer and the later receiver. Thus, if reception can afford a poet‟s intention by creating a tragic momentum, for example, it may be also necessary to observe the reviews of various readers or an audience reflecting this poet‟s idea. As a result, reception could install a processing circle of interpretation, acculturation, and transplantation. This paper will show the reception of Classical material during the literary period of Storm and Stress by taking into particular consideration Johann Wolfgang von Goethe‟s Die Leiden des jungen Werther(s). Additionally, the reviews of young Goethe‟s tragedy and several interrelationships between Stormers, poets of German Enlightenment, and the political, social and cultural framework (regarding the receiving reader or audience) will also be investigated.
It is common that Goethe was an enthusiastic interpreter of Homer‟s Iliad and the Songs of Selma done by Ossian. By transferring his passion into Werther, the young Stormer shows his literarily bridge-building expectation to offer the audience or the single reader the world of Classicism.
Table of Contents
1. Reception studies
1.1 Aristotle’s announcements
1.2 Reception of Classical sources
1.3 Reception of Classical material during the literary period of Storm and Stress
1.4 Three main points of Classical reception
1.4.1 Democratic popularism
1.4.2 Sense of national identity
1.4.3 Sense of individual activity
1.5 Reflection of object’s status
1.6 Reviews of Werther
Research Objectives & Core Topics
This essay explores the reception of Classical material during the "Storm and Stress" (Sturm und Drang) literary period, specifically focusing on how Johann Wolfgang von Goethe integrated ancient philosophical themes into his novel "Die Leiden des jungen Werthers" to critique the socio-political structures of 18th-century Germany.
- The role of Classical reception in Storm and Stress literature
- Goethe’s use of ancient sources to challenge Feudalism
- The relationship between individual agency, suicide, and social alienation
- The influence of Stoic and Epicurean philosophy on Werther
- Contrasting contemporary reader reception and literary criticism
Excerpt from the Book
Reception studies
Reception studies take care of Aristotle’s announcements. The reception of Classical sources in current texts or theories offers both an interpretation of ancient material and the connection between the Classical scholar or writer and the later receiver. Thus, if reception can afford a poet’s intention by creating a tragic momentum, for example, it may be also necessary to observe the reviews of various readers or an audience reflecting this poet’s idea. As a result, reception could install a processing circle of interpretation, acculturation, and transplantation. This paper will show the reception of Classical material during the literary period of Storm and Stress by taking into particular consideration Johann Wolfgang von Goethe’s Die Leiden des jungen Werther(s). Additionally, the reviews of young Goethe’s tragedy and several interrelationships between Stormers, poets of German Enlightenment, and the political, social and cultural framework (regarding the receiving reader or audience) will also be investigated.
Summary of Chapters
1. Reception studies: An introductory exploration of how ancient philosophical frameworks are adapted and reinterpreted within later literary texts.
1.1 Aristotle’s announcements: Examines the foundational importance of Aristotelian rhetoric as a historical reference point for modern literary analysis.
1.2 Reception of Classical sources: Discusses the theoretical mechanisms—interpretation, acculturation, and transplantation—that define how classical texts engage with later readers.
1.3 Reception of Classical material during the literary period of Storm and Stress: Contextualizes Goethe's work within the late 18th-century movement, highlighting the tension between Enlightenment ideals and burgeoning social unrest.
1.4 Three main points of Classical reception: Analyzes the specific thematic anchors of the era, focusing on democracy, national identity, and individual activity.
1.4.1 Democratic popularism: Explores how Herder and others utilized ancient democratic figures to challenge contemporary aristocratic power structures.
1.4.2 Sense of national identity: Investigates the struggle of the German bourgeoisie to establish a cohesive identity against the backdrop of political fragility.
1.4.3 Sense of individual activity: Connects the existential drive of Goethe's characters to the philosophical concept of human action and its societal limitations.
1.5 Reflection of object’s status: Discusses the importance of viewing a work as a "cultural icon" within the historical context of its reception.
1.6 Reviews of Werther: Details the polarized contemporary reactions to Goethe’s novel, ranging from enthusiastic support by Stormers to moral condemnation by the clerical and aristocratic establishment.
Keywords
Reception studies, Goethe, Die Leiden des jungen Werthers, Storm and Stress, Classical reception, Aristotle, Lucretius, Epicureanism, Stoicism, acculturation, cultural icon, Enlightenment, suicide, societal critique, individual activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this academic essay?
The essay investigates how Johann Wolfgang von Goethe incorporated ancient Classical sources and philosophical ideas into his novel "Die Leiden des jungen Werthers" to address the socio-political challenges of the Storm and Stress period.
Which historical literary movement does this paper examine?
The paper focuses on the "Storm and Stress" (Sturm und Drang) period in late 18th-century Germany.
What is the central research question?
The research explores how the reception of Classical materials acted as a vehicle for the author to articulate his critique of Feudalism and the rigid societal structures of his time.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The author employs reception theory, analyzing texts through the lens of interpretation, acculturation, and "horizon of experience" (as defined by Jauss), connecting ancient philosophy to 18th-century literature.
What is covered in the main body of the work?
The main body analyzes three key factors of reception—democratic popularism, national identity, and individual activity—and compares the reactions of different societal groups to Goethe's depiction of suicide.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Reception studies, Goethe, Storm and Stress, Classical reception, Stoicism, and societal critique.
How did Goethe's use of Homer influence the protagonist Werther?
Werther uses Homer as an emotional anchor, but also as a way to reflect on his own feelings of alienation and his fear regarding his social environment, ultimately signaling a shift in his worldview.
Why did the book "Die Leiden des jungen Werthers" face such controversy?
The novel was controversial because it was perceived as defending suicide—an act seen as contrary to God’s will—and for its harsh critique of the aristocratic class structure, leading to censorship in several areas.
What role does the philosopher Lucretius play in the analysis?
Lucretius is used to contrast Werther’s self-destructive actions with the ancient philosophical perspective on death as an individual process, highlighting the complexity of Goethe's engagement with classical ideas.
What is the significance of the "Denker-Club" caricature mentioned?
It serves as a visual representation of the Biedermeier period, illustrating the restrictive political environment where free speech and gathering were stifled, which contrasts with the storm-like energy of the earlier period.
- Quote paper
- Magister Artium Holger Skorupa (Author), 2008, Werther: Reception Studies, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/265358
