
The novel explores the complexities of human relationships and the nature of time through the story of a young man's journey to self-discovery. It begins with the protagonist's arrival in a small town where he becomes infatuated with a woman who is already engaged. As he navigates his feelings, he reflects on the passage of time and its effects on human experience. Through a series of philosophical musings and introspective moments, the protagonist grapples with the concept of eternity and its relationship to mortal life. He comes to realize that true understanding can only be achieved through direct experience, rather than through abstract thought or intellectual pursuits. The novel ultimately presents a nuanced exploration of the human condition, highlighting the tension between the desire for transcendence and the limitations of human existence.
By Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe · First published 1774 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical · 58 words
EROS, what mean'st thou by this? In each of thine hands is an hourglass!
What, oh thou frivolous god! twofold thy measure of time? "Slowly run from the one, the hours of lovers when parted;
While through the other they rush swiftly, as soon as they meet. "
Measure of Time is listed on Textopian as a novel by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, dated 1774 CE.
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Philosophical · Poetic · Romanticism · German Literature · 18th Century · Existentialism · Time and Space · Human Condition · Mortality · Nature · Beauty · Transience