German History - Coursework Example

College: Study the poems by Rilke; one of those you will have to analyze in the exam. Rilke is considered one of the most significant poets of the German language. The Last Supper a Poem by Rainer Maria Rilke is one of his numerous works. He focuses on themes that incline to place him as an intermediary figure between the conventional and the modernist poets. His writing style involved both verse and a vastly lyrical style.2. Look at the last 60 years of German literature. Who where the major writers, what did they write?

German literature is the literary texts written inthe German language or those whose origin is in Germany.The last 60 years have seen German Literature evolve to what it is today. The various time periods of German literature include medieval German literature, baroque, enlightenment, Sturm und Drang, classicism, romanticism, classicism, naturalism, expressionism and Dadaism (Sebstian, n.p).The medieval period was characterized by numerous authors. During the Carolingian periodis when German literature began, first in Latin and then in Old High German.

Authors and written works of the high recognized styles included Herzog Ernst, Heinrich von Freiberg, Ulrich von Türheim, Rudolf von Ems, Konrad von Würzburg, Heinrich Frauenlob and Reinmar der Alte.The Baroque period was one of the richest periods in terms of German literature .Numerous writers wrote of the terrifying experiences of the Thirty Years War. The most famous novel of the Baroque period was Grimmelshausens adventures of the young and naïve Simplicissimus while Andreas Gryphius and Daniel Caspar von Lohenstein wrote German-language tragedies (Sebstian, n.p).The German enlightenment was marked by a number of literary events.

The main authors at the time were Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Immanuel Kant. In 1774 Goethe published “The Sorrows of Young Werther” and advanced to publish the first piece of Faust in 1808 and second piece in 1832. Kant on the other hand published Critique of Pure Reason in 1781 and Groundwork for the Metaphysics of Morals in 1785 (Sebstian, n.p). Sturm und Drang was a Germany literary society that came to be during 18th century. The period is most universally known to have lasted from 1767 - 1785.3. Be prepared to discuss Lessings Nathan the WiseNathan the Wise was written by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing.

Lessing through this play had an opportunity of showing his great critical power. He wrote this religious parable with religious tolerance. The setting is in Jerusalem during the Third Crusade at this time all of Muslim Palestine were opposed by Christian forces from Europe. Saladin, the Muslim, decides to test Nathan ‘the Wise’ by asking which of the three religions “Christianity, Judaism, or Islam” represent the right religion.4. Re-read Kleists "Kohlhaas"Michael Kohlhaas story involves him undertaking a journey with two horses that are wrongfully impounded by Junker Wenzel von Tronka.

He is then forced to leave the two horses under the care of his servant Herse. On his return he finds out that both the servant and the horses have been mistreated. From then on Kohlhaas commits himself to finding justice. 5. Reflect on "Run Lola Run"Tom Tykwer’s film run Lola run was a blow on critics of German cinema. It is a clever piece coupled up with pleasure. It has run in various countries and won awards. The story line may be attributed to its success.6. What did Wilhelm von Humboldt try to develop?

Wilhelm von Humboldt is described as Germany’s greatest philosopher of freedom and also a German language scholar. His contribution to language science in the 20th century was highly valued .He asserted that the culture and individuality of the speaker are expressed in the language they choose to use. He was an educational theorist and his school plans work was not published until long after his death (Prospects, 9).7. What was the Thirty Years War and what did the poets say about it?The thirty years of war has been described as the last European war of religion and it took place between 1618 and 1648.

This was a consequence of the Protestants Reformation and the war was between Catholics and Protestants. It was fuelled in 1618 by the Archbishop of Prague order that a protestant church be destroyed .In turn the Protestants rose in revolt but Habsburg general, Count of Tilly stemmed out the rebellion. In 1635 the war lost its religious face and gained a political one. The peace of Westphalia treaty brought an end to this endless fighting. The baroque period of German literature was markedwith many writers talking of the thirty years war.8. What was the Protestant Reformation?

The Protestants reformation was a religious movement that comes to be as a result of Martin Luther’s actions. Luther was a German monk who was out to bring into light the corruption in the Catholic Church. He opposed many of the practices being carried out in the Catholic Church. The day he decided to nail his 95 Theses on the Castle church in Wittenberg was the day the reformation started .After this he was excommunicated from the church and this did not disturb him and he stood by his decision.

In addition to the thirty years war the reformation caused the German’s peasant war between 1524 and 1526.9. Reflect on Romanticism from the 19th to the 20th century.Romanticism was an intellectual and artistic movement that originated in the late 18th century Western Europe. It expressed strong emotions, imagination, and freedom within or from classical notions of form of art. It was noted for its elevation of achievements it viewed as heroic individuals and artists. 10. What was the meaning Karl Marxs messages?

Karl Heinreich Marx was a German philosopher, radical economist and revolutionary leader. His main ideas were referred to as Marxism .His ideas had various meanings. He once said that “Religion is the opium of the people,” which happens to be a principle in modern day communism.The main idea in Marx’s thought is history’s materialism nature that has two notions. These are that the economic system determines the current ideas and history is a continuous processdetermined by economic institutions at various stages.

He argued that existing institutions formulate ideas and this was known as the materialistic interpretation of history.11. Why is it plain wrong to talk about German as an awful language?Mark Twain is synonymous with the words The Awful German Language .Mark Twain’s short essay gives us a perception about the German language. The German language is said to be difficult to learn and some long words. Furthermore the splitting of verbs and the treatment of nouns makes it an “awful” language.

Every language has its uniqueness and so does the German language. Twain’s feelings were a love-hate relationship as he also had a desire to learn German. It is therefore wrong to talk of the German language as awful.Work citedSebstian, Hammelehle. What They’re Reading in Germany. Web. 2011