Questions tagged [johann-wolfgang-von-goethe]
Questions about German writer and statesman Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 – 1832) or his works. Questions about his works should be tagged with [german-literature].
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Where is it indicated that Charlotte has difficulty choosing between Albert and Werther?
I read The Sorrows of Young Werther for my literature class (our translation was from Corngold and its title substituted "Sufferings" for "Sorrows", but it's the same story). For a ...
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Source of "talent is formed in solitude", attributed to Goethe
I'm annotating an essay by Paul Hensel and he quotes Goethe: "talent is formed in solitude, character in the currents and cataracts of the world." I can't seem to find what the source of ...
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What is the textual origin of the quote attributed to Goethe starting "The heights charm us, but the steps do not"
The full quote is
The heights charm us, but the steps do not; with the mountain in our
view we love to walk the plains.
I remembered reading it several years ago, most likely in quotation, but a ...
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What is the central summary of "Erlkönig"?
I was listening to Franz Schubert’s musical concert of "Erlkönig", and the music was perfect. The lyrics were quite plain and simple, but why is it so famous? I read the poem, heard Schubert ...
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What does this quatrain of Goethe's ("Gesang der Geister über den Wassern") mean?
What does this quatrain of Goethe's ("Gesang der Geister über den Wassern") mean?
Seele des Menschen
Wie gleichst du dem Wasser
Schicksal des Menschen
Wie gleichst du dem Wind
Translation:
...
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Identify a Faust quote about being careful when calling upon bad spirits
As a comment on a disaster, someone quoted orally in German from Faust. They explained the quote as: one should be careful with calling upon bad spirits. The German verb "mahnen" was used.
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What did Goethe mean by "each situation, each moment, is of infinite worth"?
Each situation, each moment, is of infinite worth; for each represents a whole eternity. ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
I lit upon this on p. 395 of National Geographic Stunning Photographs. I can't ...
user11334
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What well known phrase from "Götz von Berlichingen" is alluded to in All Quiet in the Western Front?
In Chapter 10 of All Quiet on the Western Front, Paul and his comrades are goofing around by pretending to give orders to each other.
"Tjaden!" - "What?" - "Stand at ease, Tjaden; and what's more, ...
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Which literature work took the longest time in its author's life (finished or not)
As far as I know Goethe has that title with Faust (this site tells that it spanned 57 years).
So, is it the record; or are there any other works took longer? Unfinished works are also considered to ...
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Is this quote by Goethe, and what is the source?
Is this a real quote?
Few people have the imagination for reality
I have seen it attributed to Goethe in 1815, but I cannot find the source..
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Where does Goethe refer to "from the deepest mountain valley to the highest mountain top"?
I'm not sure about the precise wording of the sentence, neither in english or german.
But the quote is often used when referring to a mans life or career that has gone from the lowest low (e.g. ...
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What was Faust's purpose?
It seems like at the end of Goethe's Faust II, he has realized what he should do. Shortly before that, he kills humans on his quest to help humanity. So what exactly is his new purpose, except that he ...
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Does this quote belong to Goethe?
This quote is often attributed to Goethe. Did he actually write this? If yes, then where can we find it? It would be wonderful if there is a reliable source or a book so that I can quote it in my ...
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What's the significance of Faust's meeting being on Easter Day?
In Goethe's Faust, the eponymous (anti?)hero meets the demon Mephistopheles on what seems to be Easter Sunday, during local celebrations of Easter. Given the religious themes in the story, this surely ...
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