The late Goethe: New directions

Goethes Spätwerk/On Late Goethe. Edited by Kai Sina and David Wellbery, De Gruyter. 2020. viii + 275pp. €69,95/$80.99 (hardcover or ebook) Mittelbarkeit. Essays zum späten By Gerhart Pickerodt, Tectum. 125pp. €26 (paperback Formlose Form. Epistemik und Poetik des Aggregats beim Rabea Kleymann, Brill | Fink. 2021. 279pp. €56 For many years, the writing that Goethe produced as an older man was poorly understood. The eccentricity of works such Wilhelm Meisters Wanderjahre Faust II led 19th-century critics, starting with Ludwig Tieck, to conclude had lost his touch, put it mildly. dominant view in period, summarized Erich Trunz, Goethe's later work a time “bedauerliches Erstarren Absinken […] Schwäche Verknöcherung” (“Altersstil” 178). Trunz goes on explain that, first half 20th century, increasing influence psychology studies literary style, together changes taste ushered artistic movements expressionism, more sympathetic understanding idiosyncrasies late work. He also observes there is increased tendency toward generalization at this point career, especially comparison “Frühstil, der auf das Einmalige, Individuelle gerichtet ist” (180). Trunz's appraisal “Altersstil” sensitive remains informative contribution. himself alive fact eccentric nature part its richness, both intellectual stylistic; but notion “verallgemeinernd” has something common trend became firmly established century portrayed serenely detached from everyday struggles. This approach clearly constructive than disparaging tendency; problem expectation harmony contentment can elide moments struggle, difficulty, works. challenge for interpreters find ways reconciling pain lateness potential appreciate creativity without overlooking elements suffering underlie it. I use plural “ways” advisedly: It evident no single be commensurate complexity these under consideration here certainly come different angles, although, we shall see, are points resonance between them. Taken together, three books offer distinct complementary perspectives wealth material. A question which any author about must contend when “late” period begins. Gehart Pickerodt asserts novel Die Wahlverwandtschaften 1809 “markiert die Wende zu Spätwerk” (9), while Jan Behrs, contribution collection essays edited posits Dichtung Wahrheit (1811–13) “Schwellentext” (45ff.). In same volume, Eva Geulen even floats possibility seeing 1789, just 40, start period. French Revolution changed course writing, “trat widerständig gegenüber war nach Maßgabe seiner Mittel Möglichkeiten literarisch nicht assimilieren” (21). not so much definitive proposition thought experiment Geulen's part; she debates other possibilities too, essay rests contention represents “Unverfügbarkeit Unverfügbaren” (23). Kleymann does propose turning point, preferring instead discern particular tendencies characterize work: Her study begins 1810s Zur Naturwissenschaft überhaupt, insbesondere zur Morphologie, published 1817 1824, West-östlicher Divan, composed 1814 1819. There is, then, consensus among scholars, including authors studies. should be: Historical periods extent artificial may distort our flow history, exaggerating downplaying continuity change. Having variety suggestions where pinpoint beginning helps us keep anew refreshing minds what understand lateness. Of course, some definition field study, analysis cannot focused. attempt distill qualities characteristic important each introduction Goethe, uses Ralph Waldo Emerson's identify “Problembereiche”: first, intimately bound up complex feelings modernity; second, irresolvable tension multiplicity unity, heterogeneity homogeneity, gives life phase writing; third, genius talent “zur kreativen Appropriation modernen Welt ihrer ganzen Vielfalt” (11). “Mittelbarkeit” “das Indirekte” defining principle “Alterspoetik” (3). inspired letter 1827, reflects inability direct forms expression capture essence experience states preference “durch einander gegenübergestellte sich gleichsam ineinander abspiegelnde Gebilde” An aversion easy principles plays role although bases her principle, namely, Aggregat.” concept aggregate appears writings morphology thing discussion “sich eigentlich ins Unbegreifliche entzieht” (17). captures moment perception yet order seemingly manifold set into fixed stable form. phenomenon scrutiny form rather been discerned. Thus, all unifying accommodate within themselves resistance unity. Now closer look each. “Problembereiche” identifies addressed various subtle contributors. volume divided, moreover, sections. “Annäherungen/Approaches,” comprises two essays: richly piece, mentioned above, Biedermeier Jane K. Brown. second section, “Analysen/Analyses,” longest book, contributions topics ranging (Jan Behrs) Zweiter Römischer Aufenthalt (John T. Hamilton) Divan (Carlos Spoerhase), “Inschriften, Denk- Sendeblätter” (Ernst Osterkamp) Im ernsten Beinhaus war's (Daniel Carranza) Ballade (Rüdiger Singer), and, (Heinrich Detering, Helmut Müller-Sievers). emerge analyses, range texts appropriate: major focus, due attention paid non-narrative writing. Like opening, closing “Anschlüsse/Continuations,” consists essays. Christiane Holm Johann Peter Eckermann's Gespräche mit Eckermann pays physical situations material things, well words. She credits significant ensuring house possessions have curated “Dichter-Nachlass” (252). Finally, Tom Kindt sketches development “Spätwerk” relation mid-19th early century. words essay, therefore reminder importance semantic precision dealing “lateness”: “nicht jedes Alterswerk [ist] ein Spätwerk Alterswerk” (267). impossible go here, focus one detail, “The Altersstil Zeitaltersstil” sovereign piece “is quintessence era; inaugurates Biedermeier” (28). Brown aligns herself Friedrich Sengle's generous term Biedermeierzeit: allows broader conception demonstrates liberal alongside conservative commonly associated. discerns number “dramatic narrative shares—even anticipates, pioneers” (29). These bourgeoisie, melancholy renunciation, failure achieve harmonic resolution, idyll fairy tales, religion, character allegory religious context, nostalgia 18th Nostalgia, emphasizes, longing return, ‘the return.’ acknowledges loss past” (34). As quotation makes plain, frank failure, pain, themes Each quality then illustrated precise revealing oeuvre, natürliche Tochter Wanderjahre. compresses political cultural context relatively brief compass compromising clarity. ends revolutionary aspect style Theodor Adorno celebrated suggestion review “cultural work” achieved Biedermeier: see epoch “the skeptical Romanticism right after initial enthusiasm 1790s” (42). beautiful chapter, moving offers convincing contentions alike. very thoughtful response Sina's “Problembereiche.” Wellbery impressive collection. general highest caliber, will surprise given involved. particularly appropriate multifarious, times recalcitrant, output: liberty make case, pretense everything. reader book teeming insights, reinforce pull away another. quite “aggregate,” borrow own study: structure could clearer, relationship parts likewise evident. Yet aggregate, defines it, respect open-endedness, evinced overall volume. introduction, lucid Inkommensurable,” highly effective setting chapters enforcing cohesion. enough direction, credit editors contributors Pickerodt's eminently clear, through Wahlverwandtschaften, autobiographical material, letters, lyric poetry, Wanderjahre, II. puts “Mittelbarkeit,” guiding idea versatile use. suggests characteristics, depending discussion. With example, evokes novel's developed consciousness itself poetic construct: “Die Erzählform hält fern von jeglicher Direktheit damit jeder Wirklichkeitsillusion” (9). returns abspiegelndes Gebild” describe Wahlverwandtschaften: No element exists sake, rather, another, reflection counterimage. spectrum Mittelbarkeit discerned characters, Charlotte pragmatic, “direct” end Ottilie, who moves further artificiality over novel, other. move, cynical playful, “Mittler” paradoxical distortion Mittelbarkeit, singularly unsuited he delicate task mediation. chapter contrast, probe “anschaulich-symbolisch,” say, “dass Anschauung Begriff, Bild Bedeutung, unmittelbar im zusammenfallen” (73). On contrary, argues, self-consciousness memory intervene, placing distance perceived object “I” little, if anything, immediate. careful observe things—above memories—can still vivid, indeed poems, made present “kein unmittelbares, sondern mittelbares, eines, als zurückgeholtes gegenwärtig (90). latter observation, arrive meaning purpose, poem namely: “es vergegenwärtigt erinnerungsweise, abzusterben droht” suggestive monuments contests description (in Münchener Ausgabe works) text “Novellenkranz.” rightly neither circularity nor closure “Kranz,” diverse formal terms novella would suggest. replete “mit mannigfaltigen Binnenbeziehungen, Gegensätzen, Spiegelungen Rückbeziehungen Lehrjahre” (105). sensibly, little trying ascribe literary-historical epoch: content, playful mix old new, harks back earlier eras disruptively modern. title “Nachromantische Moderne”, encapsulates this. fills disciplined 18 pages. takes Faust's line “Im farbigen Abglanz haben wir Leben” opening scene “Anmutige Gegend” cue pursues motif mirroring throughout not, comments, simply “Naturphänomen,” utters line; “Gestaltungsprinzip,” whereby related images, Helena Gretchen, elucidate heighten another their juxtaposition: entzündet ‘Abglanz’ jeweils anderen komplexer Fülle, Optik, den poetischen Bildern” (121). deals redemption arguing “eine Art Abglanzes” (124), “feierlich doch vielfach ironisch gebrochen” (125). Mirroring thus force knowingly driven limits play. chapters, Faust, perhaps blindingly new insights they offer, nonetheless impressive. Both appear effortless. strengths fine Faust. controlled focused useful because, unlike assimilate. Approaching becomes less daunting result, indirections having artificially cleaned up. intriguing stimulating book. justification period—that onward—that designated “late.” Although, already seen, “right” answer starts, debated overtly. However, central strong flexible structuring enabling remain consistent evolve. grasp, structured like rondo: and/or genres time, letting speak terms, subtly skillfully bringing theme. weaves way informatively pleasure read. morphological writings, “erkenntnistheoretisch” value, demonstrated cognate “Aggregation” 1829 “Analyse Synthese.” explains: “Das Aggregat ist Beschreibungsbegriff für eine zeitlich begrenzte Wahrnehmung etwas, (noch) keine vollkommene bzw. geschlossene Form hat” (16). appearance formlessness generated “ein ungeordnetes unverbundenes Mannigfaltiges” however, impression yield discernment implications clear. parts, sometimes another; deep inner connection discerned, Unbegreifliche”—or Sina—cannot fully overcome respected. mounts intricate extended argument, do justice here. key four works: series “Hefte” Morphologie; Noten Abhandlungen; Wanderjahre; inclusion scientific advantage because thereby fuller account modes encompassed oeuvre. All seem glance smaller connected principle. separates subgroups, slightly ways. case Abhandlungen, “aggregate” steadily yields ordering (“Reihe”). anticipated formlessness, transition happens linear time: “Insbesondere ersten beiden Hefte sowie Abhandlungen präsentieren Formlosigkeit zeitliches Problem suggerieren zugleich, dass Übergang nur Frage Zeit sei” (234). II, promise zukünftige abgeschlossene vollständige Form” (235). Instead, continues blur contours nascent Early quotes observation acts play “lauter bestehende kleine Weltenkreise, die, abgeschlossen, wohl wirken, aber wenig angehen” seems me blinkered part. immediately assertion features focuses apparent “Unverbundenheit” play, conclusions his. displays internal “Spiegelungen”; latent connections unfold causal teleological way, there. consonance manifest differences. Overall, Aggregat” center clever decision Kleymann's part, leads fruitful perspectives. interesting analytical moves, topology Mummenschanz Klassische Walpurgisnacht episodes proof fashion displaced point: “Der weitläufige Saal verhält Linearität Straße konträr, indem er gerade unbestimmte breite verweist” (188). admirable control strikingly assured manages sense content forcing cohesion upon That great advantages aggregate: keeps formation disjointedness Moreover, wide-ranging, corpus supporting references brings in. ability draw quotations resonate perfectly discussion, speaks degree immersion executed greater concision: lighter touch notwithstanding being said, aided exposition arguments. Nonetheless, perceptive into, “Epistemik Poetik” (249) work, stimulates ways, succeed offering interpretative models impose serenity equal paradoxes, contradictions, provocations life. heartening state augurs future studies, aging general.