The Death of the Fly
This novella tells the story of a young man who becomes obsessed with a fly that has entered his room. He watches it and studies its behavior, fascinated by its existence and its eventual death. The narrative explores themes of mortality, the fleeting nature of life, and the human tendency to become fixated on trivial things.
By Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe · First published 1774 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Allegory · 99 words
First lines
WITH eagerness he drinks the treach'rous potion,
Nor stops to rest, by the first taste misled; Sweet is the draught, but soon all power of motion
He finds has from his tender members fled; No longer has he strength to plume his wing, No longer strength to raise his head, poor thing! E'en in enjoyment's hour his life he loses, His little foot to bear his weight refuses; So on he sips, and ere his draught is o'er, Death veils his thousand eyes for evermore.
What this Textopian page supports
The Death of the Fly 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, Allegory, Tragedy, Nature Writing
- Length: 99 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- A Parable by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- The Fools Epilogue by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- The Story Of The Snake by Leonid Andreyev
- The Frogs by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- The Fox And Huntsman by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- Quem Deus Vult Perdere Prius Dementat by Lord Byron
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter to convey its themes.
- Philosophical — It explores themes of existence, mortality, and the consequences of choices.
- Allegory — The narrative serves as a metaphor for broader human experiences and moral lessons.
- Tragedy — The subject matter involves loss and the tragic consequences of indulgence.
Tags
Philosophical Fiction · Existentialism · Psychological Thriller · Mystery · German Literature · 18th Century Novel · Tragic Hero · Morality Play · Symbolic Storytelling · Fable · Critique of Society · Social Commentary