In a Word
The novel revolves around the life of Wilhelm Meister, a young nobleman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery and artistic development. He becomes involved with a troupe of traveling actors and learns about the world through his experiences with them. Along the way, he falls in love with Mariane, but their relationship is complicated by her past and his own sense of duty. The novel explores themes of identity, morality, and the nature of art.
By Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe · First published 1803 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical · 142 words
First lines
THUS to be chain'd for ever, can I bear?
A very torment that, in truth, would be.
This very day my new resolve shall see. -- I'll not go near the lately-worshipp'd Fair.
Yet what excuse, my heart, can I prepare
What this Textopian page supports
In a Word is listed on Textopian as a poem by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, dated 1803 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: 1803 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical, Narrative Poetry, Symbolism
- Length: 142 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for In a Word 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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- How does this poem by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work primarily expresses personal emotions and thoughts, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, longing, and emotional depth align with the Romantic movement.
- Philosophical — Explores existential themes and the nature of desire and suffering.
- Narrative Poetry — Contains elements of storytelling through poetic form.
Tags
Philosophy · Poetry · Literary Theory · German Literature · 18th Century · Existentialism · Humanism · Language · Semiotics · Symbolism · Metaphysics · Meditation