At Midnight Hour
The story revolves around a young nobleman who becomes embroiled in a plot to murder his father and marry the woman he loves. The protagonist's actions are driven by a desire for power and wealth, but ultimately lead to tragic consequences. Through this narrative, Goethe explores themes of morality, guilt, and the destructive nature of unchecked ambition.
By Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe · First published 1776 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical · 176 words
First lines
[Goethe relates that a remarkable situation he was in one bright moonlight night led to the composition of this sweet song, which was "the dearer to him because he could not say whence it came and whither it would. "]
AT midnight hour I went, not willingly,
A little, little boy, yon churchyard past, To Father Vicar's house; the stars on high
On all around their beauteous radiance cast,
What this Textopian page supports
At Midnight Hour is listed on Textopian as a poem by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, dated 1776 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: 1776 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical, Nature Poetry, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 176 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for At Midnight Hour 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 At Midnight Hour?
- How does this poem by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Heathrose by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- The Violet by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- The Maiden Speaks by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- These Tufted Branches Fair by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- The Chosen Cliff by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- Whats This Of Death by Edna St Vincent Millay
Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work is characterized by its emotional expression and musical quality, typical of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of nature, emotion, and the sublime reflect the ideals of the Romantic movement.
- Philosophical — The exploration of life's journey and existential reflections indicate philosophical undertones.
- Nature Poetry — The vivid imagery of the night sky and natural elements emphasizes the connection to nature.
Tags
Romanticism · Philosophy · Poetry · German Literature · 18th Century · Existentialism · Mortality · Self-Discovery · Inner Turmoil · Spiritual Crisis · Dreams and Visions · Symbolism