Continued existence, reincarnation, and the power of sympathy in classical Weimar

Author(s)

• Kurth-Voigt, Lieselotte E.

Bibliographic Information

Continued existence, reincarnation, and the power of sympathy in classical Weimar

Lieselotte E. Kurth-Voigt

（Studies in German literature, linguistics, and culture / edited by James Hardin）

Camden House, 1999

Note

Includes bibliographical references (p. [235]-251) and index

Description and Table of Contents

Description

A study showing that the ancient lore of reincarnation was a living part of the thought of Weimar Classicism. In Wieland's novel Agathodaemon, Apollonius ponders fundamental questions that have fascinated a host of poets and philosophers Throughout history. Intensely aware of this tradition, the writers of German Classicism eagerlyparticipated in searching for answers, and one possibility for continued life, the transmigration of the soul, caught their abiding interest. Wieland was the first among them to treat these ideas in greater detail, presenting anextraordinary variety of perspectives on preexistence, reincarnation, and the concomitant concept of 'sympathia,' the compelling inherent affinity that characterizes certain human relationships. Goethe included these notions in his poetry, novels, and dramatic works many times, and, firmly convinced of the permanence of man's soul, or his entelechy, he often expressed his hope for continued life in correspondence and conversations. In 1781-82 Schlosser andHerder presented their contrasting views on reincarnation in five connected dialogues that were attentively received in Weimar. And in his early works and letters the young Schiller also participated in the ongoing discourse concerning these topics. The present study traces the development of these concepts in ancient literature, Judaism, and early Christianity; it outlines their discussion during the Enlightenment and indicates the importance of Orientalism for Western views on reincarnation. The final and major part of the book treats the reception of these ideas in the writings of the Weimar classicists.

Table of Contents

Introduction Greek and Roman Heritage Judaism and Early Christianity Early Enlightenment Orientalism Dissenting Views and Satirical Voices Christoph Martin Wieland Johann Georg Schlosser and Johann Gottfried Herder Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Friedrich von Schiller Later Voices: Toward Romanticism Concluding Observations

by "Nielsen BookData"

• NCID: BA82090778
• ISBN:
  • 1571131566
• LCCN: 99018275
• Country Code: us
• Title Language Code: eng
• Text Language Code: eng
• Place of Publication: Rochester, N.Y.
• Pages/Volumes: xvi, 264 p.
• Size: 24 cm
• Classification:
  • LCC : PT313
  • DC21 : 830.9/38291237
• Subject Headings:
  • LCSH : German literature -- 18th century -- History and criticism
  • LCSH : Reincarnation in literature
  • LCSH : Authors, German -- 18th century -- Religious life
  • LCSH : Classicism -- Germany -- Weimar (Thuringia)
  • LCSH : Weimar (Thuringia, Germany) -- Intellectual life
• Parent Bibliography ID:
  • BA06953310