A Symbol
The novel revolves around the life of a young nobleman who becomes disillusioned with his aristocratic upbringing and sets out to experience life among the common people. He adopts various disguises and personas, observing and participating in different social classes, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of himself and society.
By Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe · First published 1772 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Masonic · 168 words
First lines
(This fine poem is given by Goethe amongst a small collection of what he calls Loge (Lodge), meaning thereby Masonic pieces.)
THE mason's trade Observe them well,
Resembles life, And watch them revealing
With all its strife, -- How solemn feeling Is like the stir made And wonderment swell
What this Textopian page supports
A Symbol is listed on Textopian as a poem by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, dated 1772 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- Date: 1772 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Masonic, Symbolism, Spiritual
- Length: 168 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Symbol by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Symbol?
- How does this poem by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured as a poem, utilizing rhythm and meter to convey its themes.
- Philosophical — The themes explore deep philosophical concepts related to life, existence, and human endeavor.
- Masonic — The content reflects Masonic ideals and symbolism, particularly in its references to the mason's trade.
- Symbolism — The poem employs symbolic language to convey complex ideas and emotions.
Tags
Philosophical · Poetic · Symbolic · Allegorical · Mystical · Romantic · German · Literary · Fictional · Psychological · Existential · Spiritual