- Is the significance of Goethe still prevalent in contemporary times?
When the Federal Art Hall hosted a significant exhibit on Goethe a couple of years back, it began with two basic wooden planks, one long and one short. "Goethe" was etched onto the lengthy one, while "Less than this, some nobody" was inscribed on the shorter one. Artist Georg Herold played with this installation, suggesting that one could feel rather insignificant alongside the mighty Johann Wolfgang Stardom.
The inquiry as to whether this sentiment still holds true arises on his 275th birthday, August 28. For Goethe's readership and performance numbers have noticeably decreased. Is he still significant?
Long ago, such a question would have appeared implausible, as though someone stood atop an extremely high pedestal in Germany, it was Goethe. He was referred to as "The superior self of the German people". During his lifetime, the poet, scientist, and Italy enthusiast was an international celebrity.
On October 2, 1808, he was even received by Napoleon in Erfurt, who was at the height of his power and governed most of Europe at the time. The Emperor, as he enjoyed his breakfast, looked up and greeted Goethe with the famous words: "Vous êtes un homme!" ("You are a man"). The exact meaning behind these words is unclear, perhaps something like "We can converse as men", or maybe: "You're a guy, I've heard great things about you!" Modern-day Gen Z would exclaim an approving "Slay!" at this point.
Even Napoleon would engage in discussions with "Monsieur Goëthe"
Subsequently, Napoleon inquired about Goethe's age, and when Goethe responded "60", he praised him: "You've aged well." This, despite others thinking Goethe appeared a touch rotund. Later in their conversation, Napoleon addressed Goethe's early bestseller "The Sufferings of Young Werther" and, to prove his reading, mentioned specific passages. A certain segment had not appealed to him since it seemed unrealistic. Goethe found this amusing and replied that a writer had the liberty to do so.
"The Sorrows of Young Werther" debuted in 1774 and propelled Goethe to fame throughout Europe at the time, all while still a young man of 25. It was claimed that the main character's tragic suicide due to lovesickness inspired other young men in similar predicaments to take their own lives.
Whether such a "Werther effect" occurred is debated. Similar to many other writers, Goethe later grew weary of constantly being questioned about "Werther". But, by all means, the French Emperor had the resources to tolerate it. By the way, he pronounced the challenging German name "Goëthe", and when Goethe revisited the exchange later, he likely parodied Napoleon.
Nowadays, "Woyzeck" surpasses "Faust"
Since his passing away in 1832 at the ripe age of 82, Goethe has reigned like a deity over Germany. He was subjected to criticism – as a class enemy, sexist, anti-Semite, and many other things – but his stature remained unscathed. However, in recent years, a shift has taken place that may not have transpired before: interest in Goethe appears to be dwindling.
In 2022, a survey conducted by the German Press Agency discovered that "Faust" is no longer a compulsory reading in several federal states. The German Stage Association reports that the play is staged less and less frequently. During the 2022/23 season, only eight productions were reported, as compared to 20 prior to the pandemic.
The most common reason, in my opinion, is that an elderly, learned, white male might not necessarily serve as the focal point in current discussions," observes Detlev Baur, chief editor of the trade journal "Die Deutsche Bühne". "At best, for adaptations like 'Doktormutter Faust', which was premiered last season and is now being revived."
Gretchen or Marie are almost always reimagined
Regarding curriculum reading, Georg Büchner's socially critical drama "Woyzeck" has surpassed "Faust" in popularity. The most popular theater drama is also "Woyzeck". "There is a connection between school reading and theater plans – but, of course, this also has deeper, content-related reasons," says Baur. Both plays currently have theater productions focusing on the female figures of Gretchen or Marie: "These victim figures are almost always reimagined or restaged."
Literary critic and writer Thomas Steinfeld, who recently published a nearly 800-page biography of the literary genius ("Goethe – Portrait of a Life, Image of a Time"), evaluates that the general knowledge of Goethe has diminished over the past decade. "Until a few years ago, one could reckon on a general knowledge of Goethe's life and work. The admiration for him presupposed fuzzy and revered notions of a universally applicable and respected monument." Today, different circumstances may prevail, not merely due to academic but also a less pronounced historical awareness.
A Goethe influencer from the Ruhr district tests out new avenues
Perhaps reading circles and lengthy productions are no longer the appropriate means of engaging with the poet in the 21st century. Damian Mallepree (38) from Essen-Kettwig has been exploring an alternative strategy for the past four years: the Instagram format "Alles Goethe!". His mission is "to keep the discussion about Goethe and his time going". To achieve this, the Goethe influencer converses with individuals who share a connection to the poet or his era several times a week.
Guests at this event have ranged from a Goethe-loving nurse, an artist exploring Goethe's seaside perspective, and a skilled throat surgeon offering insights into Goethe's vocal capabilities. Additionally, notable authors present their books, allowing audience participation in live chats. Intersting tidbits about Goethe's Weimar tenure are frequently shared, such as the existence of a multibillion-dollar business, "Lotte," in South Korea and Japan, which draws its name from the character in "The Sorrows of Young Werther." The company's founder, Shin Kyuk-Ho, was so captivated by the novel that he named his enterprise after the female protagonist.
Goethe enthusiast offers reading recommendation
Damian Mallepree, a marketing expert with a follower count of 1600, believes in the essence of connection and exchange: "This is all about networking and exchange." He maintains a close-knit community, as he knows his followers well. He believes Goethe's enduring appeal lies not in guiding us, but in connecting and bridging gaps due to his diverse interests and openness: "Goethe no longer dictates our path, but enables connections through shared touchpoints."
If you're seeking to explore Goethe further, a biographer suggests Steinfeld as a starting point: "Prepare for a mental workout," he warns, "as Goethe's works are not to be underestimated." However, the reward is substantial, as uncovering the depth of Goethe's ideas can be an enriching experience. For beginners, his recommendation is an intriguing choice: "Let's dive into 'The Sorrows of Young Werther' first."
Despite Goethe's significant influence and influence in the past, the interest in his works seems to be dwindling today. For instance, 'Faust' is no longer a compulsory reading in several federal states.
In contrast, Georg Büchner's socially critical drama "Woyzeck" has surpassed "Faust" in popularity, particularly in theater productions that focus on the female figures of Gretchen or Marie.
[Note: The given sentences contain the word 'Other' as it refers to the 'alternative strategy' used by Damian Mallepree to engage with the poet in the 21st century (other than reading circles and lengthy productions).]
