Epitaph
The novel revolves around the life of a young nobleman who returns to his family's estate after years abroad and becomes embroiled in a complex web of relationships with his family members and their servants. As he navigates these relationships, the protagonist grapples with issues of identity, morality, and social class, ultimately leading to a tragic confrontation that exposes the dark underbelly of the aristocracy. Throughout the novel, Goethe explores themes of love, power, and the corrupting influence of wealth, raising questions about the nature of humanity and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
By Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe · First published 1774 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Elegy · 49 words
First lines
As a boy, reserved and naughty; As a youth, a coxcomb and haughty; As a man, for action inclined; As a greybeard, fickle in mind. -- Upon thy grave will people read: This was a very man, indeed!
What this Textopian page supports
Epitaph is listed on Textopian as a poem by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, dated 1774 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: 1774 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Elegy, Lyric, Satire
- Length: 49 words
- Structure: 1 section, 1 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Epitaph 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 Epitaph?
- How does this poem by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
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- The Wanderer by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- The Sea Voyage by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- Night Thoughts by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- Solitude by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- I Live My Life In Circles by Ranier Maria Rilke
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter typical of poetic forms.
- Philosophical — It explores themes of human nature, identity, and the passage of time, prompting reflection on existence.
- Elegy — The content reflects on mortality and the legacy left behind, characteristic of elegiac poetry.
- Lyric — The personal and emotional tone aligns with the characteristics of lyric poetry.
Tags
Philosophical · Poetic · Autobiographical · Meditative · Existential · Psychological · Stream-of-consciousness · Literary · German · Romanticism · 18th-century · Novella