Lines on Seeing Schiller's Skull

Name: Lines on Seeing Schiller's Skull
Author: Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

The poem describes a visit to the grave of Friedrich Schiller, where the speaker sees his skull and reflects on the transience of life and art. The speaker notes that even great works of literature are subject to decay and destruction, just like the physical body. This theme is contrasted with the enduring power of art to transcend mortality.

By Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe · First published 1797 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Romanticism · 350 words

First lines

[This curious imitation of the ternary metre of Dante was written at the age of 77.]

WITHIN a gloomy charnel-house one day

Open reader

What this Textopian page supports

Lines on Seeing Schiller's Skull is listed on Textopian as a poem by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, dated 1797 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: 1797 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Romanticism, Meditative, Symbolism
Length: 350 words
Structure: 1 section, 19 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Lines on Seeing Schiller's Skull 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

Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs a structured meter, characteristic of poetic forms.
Philosophical — The themes explore existential questions about life, death, and the nature of existence.
Romanticism — The emotional depth and focus on individual experience align with Romantic ideals.
Meditative — The reflective tone and contemplative nature of the text suggest a meditative quality.