Without a doubt, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is one of the greatest contributors to the field of art in Germany. His contributions that go beyond performing and nonperforming arts lives him as one of Germany’s most talented people with the ability to contribute both in the arts and in science. A close analysis of Goethe’s work points out the great influence of the then culture and era in his works. This paper will first give his brief biography before highlighting the events of the era and the culture and how all these influenced his work (Brown 23).
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born in Frankfurt in 1749. He was the first child of Johann Caspar Goethe, a lawyer, and Katherine Elisabeth Textor, daughter of Frankfurt’s mayor. Johann received his broad education from home due to some problems at school. He joined Leipzig University in 1765 and studied a degree in law until 1768. he also engaged in drawing lessons with the help of Oeser. The first novel was written by Goethe, The Sorrows of Young Werther (1774) was the foundation of his establishment as a novelist. However, Faust remains his greatest literary work not just in Germany, but in Europe as a whole (Brown 24).
Goethe goes further to act as a member of the council before being appointed to head the roads and services portfolio. His public service career later adds on financial management in Weimar courts within its folder.
Goethe had so many relationships. One of his greatest loves was Charlotte von Stein, who was older and at the same time married. This relationship was nonsexual and ended. Goethe thereafter lived with Christine Vulpius as his mistress in 1789 and later married her. In the year 1806, Goethe fell in love with 19-year old Ulrike von Levetzow at the age of 74.
Goethe died in Weimar on March 22, 1832. He was buried in a tomb in the ducal graveyard (Brown 24).
Several cultural and physical events during Goethe’s period are found to influence his work. To begin with, the era was characterized by enlightenment. Scientific discoveries were the order of the day. Similarly, Goethe was a renowned scientist. Goethe contributes greatly to human anatomy when he comes up with intermaxillary bone that acts as the foundation for the skull theory. He also came up with the idea of Urpflanze, the exemplary plant that took him to different parts of the world and he believed that such a plant would survive on a rock-strewn hillside in the Mediterranean. However he then came to know that the archetypal plant was Leaf, this he put it as all parts of the plant are leaves. He also made a significant revelation about plant and animal life. This led him to the discovery of a non-Newtonian and unconventional hypothesis of the nature of light and color, which has influenced the painting fraternity. Goethe discovered the human intermaxillary bone (1784), thereby coming up with the vertebral theory of the skull. This theory has in a big way been used in the medical practice over time in memorial (Steiner 37).
This era is also characterized by war as a major concept of international relations. In 1792, Goethe took part in a battle against revolutionary France. Nevertheless, he assisted the Duke as a military observer in the seize of Mainz. In addition, the war at that time influenced his works too. When the war broke out, Johann Goethe was eight years old. A lieutenant of the French army lived with them. He was also in the art sector and so encouraged Goethe’s love for pictures. During this time, Johann learned the French language. Several of Goethe’s works are seen to contain the theme of war (Gray 43).
The demand for nuptials goes high as a result of an increase in the transmission of venereal diseases from prostitutes. Consequently, homosexuality is on the increase. Goethe saw sexuality more poetically and imaginatively. This idea was not common at this time since many people considered sexuality as a topic to shy away from (Gray 43).
Christianity was prevalent during this era. The strength of the church was so great that they had political powers and the ability to make certain decisions. Goethe was brought up under Lutheran teachings before changing his mind on issues of faith after the Lisbon earthquake calamity and the long period of war. Goethe in his works describes himself as categorically non-Christian. He further goes on to cite four things he hates as tobacco smoke, bugs, garlic, and the cross. He is passionate about Christianity even calling it the decisive faith. Churches were established and so many people at that time had embraced it though living in their comfort zones. In Faust, Goethe seems to be in total unison with Christianity though he was completely a non-Christian. His belief is not in the redemptive power but someone’s own good deeds/works. Nevertheless, he wouldn’t have written this work if not for the doctrine of hell, devil, and redemption. And this in itself is Christianity (Marston 54).
Education was given first-hand priority by families that could afford the cost of tutors. Such families could hire tutors who would teach them from the comfort of their homes. Goethe is lucky to be among the rich children who could afford private tutors. His parents got him private tutors who took him through the best education in all the regular subjects of that time, especially languages (Latin, Greek, French, and English). Most of the exploits by Goethe are direct influences from this education privilege. It is through this kind of education that Goethe received that he transformed his mind and shaped his skills to become one of the renowned poets, philosophers, scientists, and even civil servants. Goethe, studied Latin, Greek, French, and English hence could interpret almost all things to bring them into relevance. Were it not for this education, he couldn’t put his works into writing and couldn’t, therefore, make his research to anyone’s benefit. Maybe, he would have remained a painter but his richness in language and love for knowledge drove him to poetry and scientific discoveries (Marston 57).
Social stratification hence plays an important role in influencing Goethe’s work. It should be noted that theater was meant for the rich and nobles only. Goethe has the privilege of falling within this category. It is from here that Goethe develops and natures his painting talent. The painting also acts as a motivation for his theatrical maneuvers. Considering that there were annual puppet shows held at their place, Goethe consequently started to develop the love for theatre. He later becomes an accomplished theatrical writer. Apart from the puppet shows, he develops a liking for the theatre company in Frankfurt which also contributed greatly to his love for theatrical pieces. It is from this medium that he can portray the issue of sexuality to society. Among the results of his love for theatre are dramas like Winckelmann and his Century (1805), Torquato Tasso (1789), Egmont (1788) (Gray 45).
Finally, classical idealism was witnessed during this period. Goethe demonstrates most of his work under these ideals. The works include painting and writing. Among the books that incline towards these ideals are Winckelmann and his Century (1805) and Torquato Tasso (1789)
As a poet, novelist, playwright, courtier, and natural philosopher, scientist Goethe beats all odds including; love breakups, illness, and war falling out with his father. Goethe goes on to be one of the greatest figures in Western literature. He has shaped the world of literature through his exemplary pieces of work that have stood the test of time. In a big way, it is of importance to note that the era and culture of that time gave Johann Goethe the ultimate training, skills, and the zeal to put his work into exemplary standardized work that will forever be in history books. These include writing skills that are acquired from private tutorship, scientific research and knowledge from the same, his averseness with the French language which he learns from a French lieutenant living with them. The privilege of coming from a well-off family and the love of theatre by rich families also influence his theatrical capacity. It is, therefore, true to argue that Goethe was one of the greatest contributors to western literature considering his great works.
Works Cited
Brown, Hume. The Life of Goethe. Lauderdale, Fl: Haskell House, 1971.
Gray, Ronald. Goethe: A Critical Introduction, New York, NY: Cambridge University Press, 1967.
Marston, Daniel. The Seven Years’ War. Essential Histories. Oxford, UK: Osprey, 2001.
Steiner, Rudolf. Goethe the Scientist. E. Sussex: Rudolf Steiner Press, 1950.