Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is most likely the most well-known German author. He has typically been called "the last true polymath to walk the earth". Although he was not born there, he invested the majority of his life in Weimar in the former East Germany. Write a quick term paper in English (500 words), ensure to include the following info:

Which other skills did he have that earned him the name polymath? Where and when did he die?
Name 3 of his most important books.

Use sites you discover on the Web and keep in mind to include a FUNCTIONS POINTED OUT section so that your instructor

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born in August 28, 1749, Frankfurt. He was not an aristocrat but raised in a middle class household. Goethe matured near art and literature, at age 8 he wrote a poem; at 13 he first released his very own collection of poetry. He studied law in college and opened his own office as told by his father, but his interest was already leaned towards literature world.

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Considering that then he gathered around with other writers, focus on more variety of books, and study poetries and dramas. In 1772, Goethe stays at Wetzlar and met Johann Kestner. Kestner had actually a finace called Charlotte Enthusiast, Goethe fell for her at the very first sight and privately appreciates her. After coming back to Frankfurt, he hears a news stating that a person of his pal died in situation comparable to his. With his experience and the story of his pal, he writes 'The Grief of Young Werther' which became popular with its publication.

Goethe ended up being famous at early twenties.

In 1775, Goethe leaves Frankfurt and goes to what became his second hometown, Weimer. In this small dukedom with population about 6,000, he gains trust of Duke Carl August. Carl August gave Goethe several official positions in his court and Goethe became his chief adviser. Although he was very successful in his career, his anxiety that arose with his thirst for art and literature was getting bigger every day. Even his relationships with Charlotte von Stein, his lover, and contemporary intellectual Hether did not satisfy his thirst. Finally, he left Weimer, where he stayed for ten years and wander around. In 1786, Goethe travels around Italy for three years, he visits Rome, sees and experience new things. In 1788, he comes back to Weimer. His experience at Italy was indeed revolutionary and set a turning point in Goethe’s career.

Beautiful art pieces he has seen at Italy influenced Goethe to become a Classicist, however he lost his old friends who could not understand changed Goethe. But luckily he met Schiller, who was another great figure in German literature. They sometimes worked together, influenced together, and inspired each other. During these years, pieces like Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship, Iphigenie auf Tauris, Egmont, Torquato Tasso, and Reineke Fuchs came out. But in 1805, Schiller died of age 48. This shocked Goethe, but overall he lived a peaceful life from 1809 to his death with his artistic fervent at its peak. Faust, Elective Affinities, the West-Eastern, From My Life: Poetry and Truth, all came out during this period.

Goethe not only was a guru in literary world but also he was an expert in science, religious studies, and politics, which gained him the name polymath. He was deeply involved in natural science and showed interest in morphology and color theory. Some of his works include, Metamorphosis of Plants and Theory of Colours. Also, being born in Lutheran family and having experience serving Duke Carl August made him influential in those areas as well. In March 22nd, 1832 in Weimer, he died at age of 83. During his 80 years of life he published quantity amount of poems, dramas, novels, and so on. His works had both depth and width and this significantly elevated German literature which were known to be underdeveloped at the time. He is still regarded as a great literary guru to these days and will be remembered forever.

Work Cited

1. C.D. Merriman, Literature Network: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. http://www.online- literature.com/goethe/ 2012 December 13.