From Baroque to Storm and Stress 1720-1775

Book excerpt: Originally published in 1977, this volume traces the development of literary forms and themes and of movements and schools, during the overtly philosophical age. It begins with the prominent poets of the 1720s and 1730s: Brockes, Hagedorn and Haller. It charts the many attempts at formulating poetic theory, particularly those of Gottsched, Bodmer and Breitnger. Emphasis is placed on the dramatic writings of J. E. Schlegel, Gellert and Ch. F. Weisse. Young Goethe’s creativity in all genres, Lenz’ and Klinger’s fascination with the stage and the lyric poetry of the Göttinger Hain explains the effectiveness of the Sturm und Drang.