Timeline: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Aug 28, 1749

Birth

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: Pronunciation:
Yo-HAHN VAWLF-gahng fawn GUHR-tuh Born on August 28, 1749 at Frankfurt, Germany

1750

Family

Goethe's family was financially well-established. His father, Johann was a lawyer who retired early to focus on the education of his children. His mother, Katharine Elisabeth was more artistic, and introduced nature and various types of art to their children. Goethe had learned 4 lunges by the age of 8.

1765

Education

Initially Goethe entered college pursuing a Law Degree per his father's request at the University of Leipzig. In 1768, Geothe became gravely ill with a lung ailment. He returned to Frankfurt to recover. He spent the next two years at home with his family. In 1770, Goethe moved to Strasbourg to finish his education.

1767

Early Poetry: Annette

Goethe's first and best early poetry were influenced by his interest in Frederick Brion, a young woman who lived near his college. He wrote various poems published din a book called Annette.

1771

Influencers

Johann Gottfried - German Philosopher.
They first met in 1771 in Strasbourg upon Geothe's return to college. Goethe was also influenced by the Persian Poet Hafez, he was mostly know for expressing love, spirality, and protest in his poetry.

1772

First Novel: The Sorrow of Young Wether

After receiving his law degree, Goethe began a practice law in the city of Wetzlar. There he met Charlotte Buff, a women he had an affair with. He wrote first novel shortly after ending the affair. "The Sorrows of Young Werther", is a novel part biography part fiction. It's a story of a young man who is caught in a love triangle, and ultimately commits suicide. This novel was written in epistolary format, written in form of letters.

1773

First Play: The Iron Hand

Goethe's first play was " The Iron Hand"
It tells a story of a renegade knight in the Middle Ages who lost his right hand in battle. He then had several metal prosthetic hands made, which is where the name of the play comes from.

1774

Novel of Education: Wilhelm Meister's Apprencticeship

Goethe wrote, "Wilhelm Meister’s Apprenticeship." In this novel a businessman’s son so leaves his business career to pursue life in theatre. This novel focuses on the young mans emotional development from youth to adulthood, where he finally became a well rounded adult.

1775

Advisor of the Duke of Weimar

Goethe was appointed adviser of a young duke of Weimar, and moved to that city. He became involved with various administrative projects such as road construction and mining.

1779

Second Play: Iphigenia In Taura

"Iphigenia in Taurus" was written in 1779. It is a tragedy about the young princess Iphigenia who is trapped in Taurus and longs for her family back home in Greece. The main conflict is Iphigenia needs to decide weather to be faithful to her new king, or protect her family from him.

1784

Geothe's Bone

While in his science studies, he was credited for discovering a small bone in the human jaw called the intermaxillary bone. Sometimes now this bone is referred to as “Goethe’s bone”. This bone discovery helped linked the connection between humans and apes.

1786

Poem: Roman Elegies

From 1786 to 1788, Goethe traveled around Italy. After his travel, he returned to Weimar court. His travel influenced him to write his book of 24 poems, "Roman Elegies". It paid tribute to Italian Culture.

1788

Marriage and Children

Goethe met his wife (By common law) in 1788, Christiane Vulpius. Together they had 5 children. Unfortunately only his eldest son August von Geothe made it to adulthood.

1808

Poem turned play: The Tragedy of Faust

In 1808, Goethe published the first part of his poem turned play, "The Tragedy of Faust". This is one of his best-known and most widely read pieces. The play follows a young scholar who is frustrated and limited due to his education, power, and ability to live freely. He makes a deal with the devil who grants him his hearts desires but looses his soul in exchange.

1810

Book: Theory of Colors

Goethe was involved in various kinds of scientific research. Two he particularly spent more time of was the comparative morphology and the theory of light refraction. He wrote "Theory of Colors", in where he countered the theory of light by Sir Isaac Newton.

1819

Late Poetry: West- Eastern Divan

Goethe published another poetry book in 1819. West-Eastern Divan,a collection of love lyrics.
During this time he was influenced by the Persian poet Hafiz. The title of this work refers to both eastern and western cultures mixed in the writing. This collection of poems is organized in a series of 12 books. The tiles of the books are as follows: Book of Singer, Book of Love, Etc.

Jan 19, 1829

Faust continued

First played on 1/19/1829. Goethe's most popular play is broken down into two parts. Part 1 being the most popular. However, part 1 usually does not covey the full story without Part 2. Goethe himself cut parts from part two to help th play flow smoother.

Mar 1, 1832

Renaissance Man

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was a renaissance man of the 18th century. While he was mostly known for being a playwright, he was also a scientist, artist, and director. He acquired a law degree and also worked as a civil servant.

Mar 22, 1832

"More Light!"

Died: March 22, 1832 in Weimer. Goethe's last words were rumored to be "More light!". Some rummors suggest he may have said this literally to a servant to open the window and let some light in. Others suggest there was a more symbolic meaning about his legacy and knowledge.

1833

Autobiography

In 1809, Goethe started writing his autobiography titled "The Autobiography of Goethe". His Autobiography is broken down into 20 books in chronological order. He focuses on his early studies and how he came to be so smart. It was finally published in 1833

Jan 1, 2023