Schiller's Versification

Name: Schiller's Versification
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge

The work critiques the use of blank verse in German literature, particularly focusing on the shortcomings of a specific poet's approach. It argues that while the poet's thoughts exhibit connection and variety, the corresponding movement in the verse is lacking, leading to a disjointed reading experience. The author contrasts this with the fluidity and rhythmic complexity found in Shakespeare's works, highlighting a perceived deficiency in German verse. The critique extends to a broader observation about German literature, suggesting a tendency towards excess or overabundance in expression, which the author attributes to a national characteristic. The text references another German playwright, noting that he had a better understanding of blank verse. The inherent structure of the German language, particularly the trochaic nature of its words, is presented as a significant barrier to achieving the same fluidity in blank verse as seen in English. The author emphasizes the challenges posed by the German language's rhythm and structure, suggesting that while there are attempts to adapt blank verse, the results often fall short. The discussion includes a mention of the dramatic hendecasyllable, indicating that while there are forms that can accommodate the iambic rhythm, they are not as effective or prevalent in German literature. Overall, the work serves as a critical examination of the limitations of German blank verse, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of rhythm and movement in poetry, and suggesting that the unique characteristics of the German language necessitate a different approach to verse composition.

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge · First published 1895 · Genre: Literary Criticism, Poetics, Drama · 113 words

First lines

Schiller's blank verse is bad. He moves in it as a fly in a glue bottle. His thoughts have their connection and variety, it is true, but there is no sufficiently corresponding movement in the verse. How different from Shakspeare's endless rhythms!

There is a nimiety -- a too-muchness -- in all Germans. It is the national fault. Leasing had the best notion of blank verse. The trochaic termination of German words renders blank verse in that language almost impracticable. We have it in our dramatic hendecasyllable; but then we have a power of interweaving the iambic close _ad libitum._

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Schiller's Versification is listed on Textopian as an essay by Samuel Taylor Coleridge, dated 1895 CE.

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Work type: Essay
Author: Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Date: 1895 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Criticism, Poetics, Drama, Philosophy, Comparative Literature
Length: 113 words
Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

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Genres

Literary Criticism — The work analyzes and critiques Schiller's use of blank verse, focusing on its effectiveness and stylistic elements.
Poetics — The text discusses the principles of verse and rhythm, particularly in relation to German poetry.
Drama — The critique references dramatic forms and their use of verse, linking it to theatrical expression.
Philosophy — The exploration of artistic expression and national characteristics reflects philosophical themes.