- In the current day and age, does the significance of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe endure?
A while back, during a significant event at the Federal Art Hall, they showcased a notable exhibition on Goethe. The exhibition began with two straightforward pieces of wood: a long one and a short one. The long one displayed "Goethe," while the shorter one read, "Compared to this, some nobody." The artist Georg Herold utilized this work as a foundation for exploring the concept that anyone might feel insignificant next to the legendary figure of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, the superstar. However, on Goethe's 275th birthday this week, it's worth revisiting this question: is this sentiment still valid? Goethe's popularity appears to be dwindling, as he's read less and performed less frequently. Is he still relevant?
A household name in his time
It would have been considered a bizarre question in the past, as the term "Germany" conjured up the image of Goethe, who was hailed as "the better version of the German people." Already renowned in his lifetime, Goethe was not only a gifted poet and natural scientist but also an ardent admirer of Italy.
On October 2, 1808, Napoleon, the empire-building force dominating Europe at the time, received Goethe in Erfurt. Barely finishing his breakfast, Napoleon acknowledged Goethe with his popular phrase, "Vous êtes un homme!" ("You are a man."). Some have speculated that Napoleon meant this in the sense of "we can communicate as equals," while others believe he was simply expressing his admiration for the accomplished figure Goethe had become.
Napoleon exchanged thoughts with "Monsieur Goëthe"
After inquiring about Goethe's age, Napoleon complimented the poet for his remarkable health, despite the fact that others may have considered him overweight. During the dialogue, Napoleon mentioned his admiration for Goethe's early bestseller "The Sorrows of Young Werther." The play, published in 1774, instantly catapulted Goethe to fame throughout Europe. It was also said that the tragic ending of the story, in which the main character commits suicide due to heartbreak, induced similar actions in other love-struck youths.
Whether the "Werther effect" is factual remains a subject of debate. Yet, it is common knowledge that Goethe often found himself discussing the play with others. In fact, Napoleon even took the liberty of quoting specific passages, demonstrating that he had indeed studied the work.
Woyzeck has replaced Faust in popularity
Since Goethe's departure in 1832, his legend has continued to loom over Germany. Despite facing criticism as a class enemy, sexist, and anti-Semite, among other things, his status remained relatively unshaken. However, recent trends suggest that interest in Goethe may be dwindling.
As early as 2022, a survey revealed that "Faust" is no longer required reading in many regions. The German Stage Association even reported a decrease in the number of Faust productions, with only eight productions recorded in 2022/2023, in contrast to the earlier pre-pandemic period.
Detlev Baur, editor-in-chief of the specialist journal "Die Deutsche Bühne," opined that the shift in focus away from an old, intellectually-inclined white male is the primary reason behind Goethe's declining appeal. While some reinterpretations of vintage works, such as "Doktormutter Faust," may still be made, the traditional Faust production seems to have lost its appeal.
A woman's perspective takes center stage
It's worth noting that the socially-conscious drama "Woyzeck" has since surpassed "Faust" in popularity. "Woyzeck" is also the most regularly staged drama in theaters. Both plays have recently attracted productions that put the female characters, such as Gretchen and Marie, at the forefront.
Moreover, literary critic and writer Thomas Steinfeld pointed out a decrease in awareness of Goethe's life and work in recent years. According to him, people's fondness for Goethe once depended solely on a vague concept of him as a universally revered icon. However, today's circumstances may be attributable to a more general decline in historical consciousness.
A revised approach to Goethe from the Ruhr region
Perhaps traditional reading circles and prolonged performances no longer cater to the tastes of the 21st century audience. Damian Mallepree, a 38-year-old Goethe enthusiast from Essen-Kettwig, has attempted to employ a different method for the past four years—the Instagram format "Alles Goethe!". Mallepree's intention is to inspire ongoing conversations about Goethe and his time. To achieve this, he frequently engages with other individuals who hold a special interest in Goethe or share a connection to his era.
His guest list features a devoted Goethe fan and nurse, an artist who shares perspectives on Goethe's sea views, and a throat specialist with insights into Goethe's vocal abilities. Events include book launches with renowned authors, where attendees can engage in live chats and ask questions. Fascinating tidbits about Goethe's political role in Weimar often surface, such as the existence of a billion-dollar company in South Korea and Japan named "Lotte," inspired by the character from "The Sorrows of Young Werther." The company's founder, Shin Kyuk-Ho, was so captivated by the novel that he decided to name his company after the story's female protagonist.
Goethe authority shares reading suggestion
"I believe it's about connection and exchange," says Damian Mallepree. His follower count remains reasonably small at 1600, but this leads to in-depth conversations: "I know my followers quite well." The marketing expert, who completed his thesis in German studies on Goethe, stands firm: "Goethe isn't about telling us what to do anymore, but rather about connecting us, as he creates opportunities for connection." This is due to his diverse interests and openness - "he's not confined to a particular box, but leaves room for interpretation."
If one seeks to explore Goethe further, where should one begin? Biographer Steinfeld advises that nothing is straightforward: "One must put forth effort to appreciate his work." However, this effort yields a wealth of ideas. His recommendation for starting out: "Let's begin with 'The Sorrows of Young Werther'."
In contrast to the past, where Goethe was widely regarded as the epitome of German culture, a recent survey indicates that "Faust" is no longer a required reading in many regions and the number of Faust productions has significantly decreased.
Despite Goethe's decline in popularity, his influence remains evident in contemporary literature, as "Woyzeck" has surpassed "Faust" in popularity and frequently highlights the female characters.
