Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Goethe's works span the fields of poetry, Goethe's works span the fields of poetry, drama, literature, theology, Humanism, drama, literature, theology, Humanism, science, and painting. His most enduring science, and painting. His most enduring work, the two-part dramatic poem work, the two-part dramatic poem FaustFaust, , is considered one of the peaks of world is considered one of the peaks of world literature.literature.

The most important of Goethe's works The most important of Goethe's works produced before he went to Weimar was produced before he went to Weimar was his tragedy his tragedy Götz von BerlichingenGötz von Berlichingen (1773), (1773), which was the first work to bring him which was the first work to bring him fame, and the novel fame, and the novel The Sorrows of The Sorrows of Young WertherYoung Werther (1774), which gained him (1774), which gained him enormous popularity as a writer in the enormous popularity as a writer in the Sturm und DrangSturm und Drang movement movement

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Modern Book Printing“ (detail), fourth sculpture (from six) of the Berliner Walk of Ideas on the occasion of 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany.

Unveiling: 21 April 2006 at Bebelplatz, square near the Unter den Linden in front of Humboldt University. It is to commemorate to Johannes Gutenberg, the inventor of Modern Book Printing around 1450 in Mainz.

Goethe's poetic work served as a model for Goethe's poetic work served as a model for an entire movement in German poetry an entire movement in German poetry termed termed InnerlichkeitInnerlichkeit ("introversion"). ("introversion"). Goethe's words inspired a number of Goethe's words inspired a number of compositions by Mozart, Beethoven, compositions by Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert. Schubert.

Perhaps the single most influential piece is Perhaps the single most influential piece is "Mignon's Song" which opens with one of "Mignon's Song" which opens with one of the most famous lines in German poetry, the most famous lines in German poetry, an allusion to Italy: "an allusion to Italy: "Kennst du das Land, Kennst du das Land, wo die Zitronen blühnwo die Zitronen blühn?" ("Do you know ?" ("Do you know the land where the lemons bloom?"). the land where the lemons bloom?").

Statue of Goethe and Schiller in Weimar

Goethe is still widely quoted to this day. Goethe is still widely quoted to this day. Here are a few of his most famous Here are a few of his most famous quotes:quotes:

"Divide and rule, a sound motto; unite and "Divide and rule, a sound motto; unite and lead, a better one.“lead, a better one.“

"Enjoy when you can, and endure when "Enjoy when you can, and endure when you must.”you must.”

Goethe’s most famous works:Goethe’s most famous works:

The Sorrowing of Young WertherThe Sorrowing of Young WertherFaustFaust