The Visit
The story revolves around a young nobleman who visits his family's ancestral home after many years away. He brings with him a new bride and an air of sophistication that contrasts sharply with the rustic simplicity of his relatives. As he navigates the complexities of his family's relationships, he is forced to confront the harsh realities of their lives and the decline of their social status. His interactions with his relatives are marked by tension and conflict, as they struggle to come to terms with the changing world around them. Through the young nobleman's visit, Goethe explores themes of identity, class, and the human condition, raising questions about the nature of family, loyalty, and belonging in a rapidly changing society.
By Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe · First published 1803 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Drama · 480 words
First lines
FAIN had I to-day surprised my mistress, But soon found I that her door was fasten'd. Yet I had the key safe in my pocket, And the darling door I open'd softly! In the parlour found I not the maiden, Found the maiden not within her closet, Then her chamber-door I gently open'd, When I found her wrapp'd in pleasing slumbers, Fully dress'd, and lying on the sofa.
While at work had slumber stolen o'er her; For her knitting and her needle found I Resting in her folded bands so tender; And I placed myself beside her softly, And held counsel, whether I should wake her.
What this Textopian page supports
The Visit is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
- Date: 1803 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Drama, Narrative Poetry, Symbolism
- Length: 480 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Visit 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
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Visit?
- How does this short story by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Lyric Poetry first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The work features expressive language and emotional depth, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, beauty, and nature align with the ideals of Romanticism.
- Drama — The narrative structure and character interactions suggest elements of dramatic storytelling.
- Narrative Poetry — The poem tells a story through its verses, fitting the narrative poetry genre.
Tags
Philosophical · Psychological · Drama · Tragedy · Family · Relationships · Conflict · Identity · Morality · Ethics · German Literature · 18th Century