Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was a German literary giant. He played many roles in his life. Goethe was poet, novelist, playwright, amateur artist, scientist, theatre director, critic, and statesman.
Goethe is closely associated with Germany’s 18th century literary renaissance. Goethe wrote ‘Faust’. This long poem ranks not far behind Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’, and Dante’s ‘Divine Comedy’. Interestingly, expert editing turned this poem into a play. Goethe produced his greatest works before he left for Weimar. ‘Gotz von Berlichingen’, was the tragedy that made Goethe famous. ‘The Sorrows of Young Werther’, cemented his status as a great writer. Innerlichkeit, a movement in German poetry, was inspired by Goethe’s poems. ‘Mignon’s Song’, written by Goethe, influenced several great music composers such as Mozart, Schubert, Berlioz and Wolf. And Goethe was a hero to Beethoven. Natural Science too held attractions for Goethe, and he wrote on colour theory and shapes of living things.
Goethe was home-tutored along with his sister till he reached the age of sixteen. He showed an early flair for drawing. Fortunately, he channeled his energies into writing.
