8.3 Romantic theatre in Germany: Goethe and Schiller

Goethe and Schiller were the powerhouses of German Romantic theatre. They worked together at the Weimar Court Theatre, shaping acting, scenery, and costumes. Their plays explored freedom, knowledge, and revolution, using poetic language and complex characters.

These two giants had different focuses but shared a vision. Goethe dug into personal struggles and classical themes, while Schiller tackled social and political issues. Both believed in art's power to transform society and inspire individuals to challenge norms.

Contributions of Goethe and Schiller

Influential Figures in German Romantic Theatre

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• Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) and Friedrich Schiller (1759-1805) were the two most influential figures in German Romantic theatre, collaborating closely and inspiring each other's works
• Both Goethe and Schiller held positions at the Weimar Court Theatre, with Goethe serving as director from 1791 to 1817, overseeing more than 600 productions and making significant reforms to acting, scenery, and costume design
• Goethe and Schiller's collaborative efforts, such as their collection of ballads and epigrams titled "Xenien" (1796) and their co-authored essay "On Epic and Dramatic Poetry" (1797), helped shape the aesthetics of German Romantic theatre

Major Contributions to German Romantic Theatre

• Goethe's major contributions include the plays "Götz von Berlichingen" (1773), "Egmont" (1788), "Iphigenia in Tauris" (1779), "Torquato Tasso" (1790), and most famously, "Faust" (Part One, 1808; Part Two, 1832)
  • "Faust" is considered one of the greatest works of German literature, exploring themes of knowledge, ambition, and the human condition
  • "Iphigenia in Tauris" adapts the Greek myth of Iphigenia, showcasing Goethe's interest in classical themes and humanist ideals
• Schiller's major contributions include the plays "The Robbers" (1781), "Don Carlos" (1787), the Wallenstein trilogy (1799), "Mary Stuart" (1800), "The Maid of Orleans" (1801), "The Bride of Messina" (1803), and "William Tell" (1804)
  • "The Robbers" and "Don Carlos" reflect Schiller's early interest in social and political revolution, challenging the established order
  • The Wallenstein trilogy, consisting of "Wallenstein's Camp," "The Piccolomini," and "The Death of Wallenstein," is a historical drama that explores the life of the general Albrecht von Wallenstein during the Thirty Years' War

Themes and Styles in Romantic Theatre

Recurring Themes in Goethe and Schiller's Works

• Goethe and Schiller's works often explore the conflict between individual freedom and societal constraints, as seen in Goethe's "Egmont" and Schiller's "The Robbers" and "Don Carlos"
  • In "Egmont," the titular character fights for the freedom of the Dutch people against Spanish oppression
  • "The Robbers" and "Don Carlos" showcase rebellious characters who challenge the established social and political order
• The theme of the search for knowledge and the consequences of overreaching ambition is central to Goethe's "Faust," in which the titular character makes a pact with the devil in exchange for unlimited knowledge and power
• Schiller's plays frequently deal with the themes of political and social revolution, as exemplified by "The Robbers," "Don Carlos," and the Wallenstein trilogy
  • These works reflect Schiller's interest in the ideals of the French Revolution and his belief in the power of the individual to effect change
• Goethe and Schiller's works often feature strong, complex female characters, such as Goethe's Iphigenia and Schiller's Mary Stuart and Joan of Arc ("The Maid of Orleans")
  • These characters demonstrate the playwrights' interest in exploring the role of women in society and their capacity for heroism and self-determination

Stylistic Elements in Goethe and Schiller's Plays

• Both playwrights incorporate elements of Greek tragedy, such as the use of chorus and the exploration of fate and free will, as seen in Goethe's "Iphigenia in Tauris" and Schiller's "The Bride of Messina"
  • The use of chorus allows for commentary on the action and the expression of collective emotions and beliefs
  • The exploration of fate and free will reflects the playwrights' interest in the human condition and the individual's struggle against external forces
• The use of poetic language and philosophical dialogues is a hallmark of both playwrights' styles, reflecting the influence of the German Enlightenment and the Sturm und Drang (Storm and Stress) movement
  • The poetic language elevates the dramatic action and allows for the expression of complex ideas and emotions
  • The philosophical dialogues engage the audience in intellectual discourse and encourage reflection on the themes of the plays

Goethe vs Schiller: Romantic Theatre Approaches

Differences in Focus and Inspiration

• While both Goethe and Schiller are considered key figures of German Romantic theatre, their approaches and philosophies differed in some aspects
• Goethe's works often focus on the individual's inner struggles and personal growth, as seen in "Faust" and "Torquato Tasso," while Schiller's plays tend to emphasize social and political themes, as in "The Robbers" and "Don Carlos"
  • "Torquato Tasso" explores the conflict between the artist and society, reflecting Goethe's own struggles as a writer
  • "The Robbers" and "Don Carlos" are driven by the characters' desire for social and political change, mirroring Schiller's revolutionary ideals
• Goethe's plays, such as "Iphigenia in Tauris" and "Egmont," frequently draw inspiration from classical mythology and history, whereas Schiller's works, like the Wallenstein trilogy and "William Tell," often explore more recent historical events
  • Goethe's use of classical themes reflects his interest in humanism and the timeless nature of human struggles
  • Schiller's focus on recent history demonstrates his engagement with contemporary political and social issues

Similarities in Vision and Collaboration

• Despite these differences, both playwrights share a commitment to the ideals of the German Enlightenment, a focus on the individual's struggle against societal constraints, and a belief in the transformative power of art and theatre
  • The German Enlightenment emphasized reason, tolerance, and the value of education in shaping society
  • Goethe and Schiller's works often portray characters who challenge the status quo and seek to assert their individuality
  • Both playwrights believed in the ability of theatre to educate and inspire audiences, promoting social and personal growth
• Goethe and Schiller's collaborative efforts, such as their correspondence and joint projects like "Xenien," demonstrate their shared vision for the development of German Romantic theatre, even as their individual styles and themes varied
  • "Xenien" is a collection of satirical epigrams that critiqued contemporary literary and cultural figures, showcasing the playwrights' shared wit and critical perspective
  • The extensive correspondence between Goethe and Schiller reveals their mutual admiration, intellectual exchange, and commitment to advancing German theatre