Before a Court of Justice
The play revolves around the trial of a young nobleman accused of murdering his father's mistress. The protagonist, a lawyer, defends the accused and argues that he was justified in killing her due to her seductive nature and the fact that she had been causing trouble for him. Throughout the trial, the lawyer presents various arguments and evidence to support his client's case, while also highlighting the flaws in the prosecution's argument. The play explores themes of morality, justice, and the complexities of human nature. The trial is a dramatic and intense confrontation between the lawyer and the prosecutor, with each side presenting their own version of events. Ultimately, the outcome of the trial hangs in the balance as the jury deliberates and reaches a verdict. The play raises questions about the nature of justice and whether it can be truly served in a society where morality is complex and multifaceted.
By Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe · First published 1771 · Genre: Drama, Poetry, Social Commentary · 149 words
First lines
THE father's name ye ne'er shall be told
Of my darling unborn life; "Shame, shame," ye cry, "on the strumpet bold!"
Yet I'm an honest wife.
To whom I'm wedded, ye ne'er shall be told,
What this Textopian page supports
Before a Court of Justice is listed on Textopian as a novel by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, dated 1771 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- Date: 1771 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Drama, Poetry, Social Commentary, Tragedy, Philosophical
- Length: 149 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Before a Court of Justice by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- In The Court by Anton Chekhov
- Difficult People by Anton Chekhov
- The Juryman by John Galsworthy
- Overruled by George Bernard Shaw
- At The Barbers by Anton Chekhov
- An Adventure by Anton Chekhov
Genres
- Drama — The work presents a conflict involving personal and societal issues, typical of dramatic literature.
- Poetry — The text employs rhythmic and lyrical language, characteristic of poetic forms.
- Social Commentary — The themes address societal norms and moral judgments, reflecting on social issues.
- Tragedy — The exploration of shame and personal struggle aligns with tragic elements.
Tags
Philosophical · Drama · German Literature · 18th Century · Courtroom Drama · Social Commentary · Morality Play · Satire · Comedy of Manners · Class Struggle · Justice System · Law and Order