Johann Wolfgang Goethe, an iconic figure of the German Enlightenment, was born into an affluent family in Frankfurt. His father, a lawyer, and his mother, known for her wit and storytelling, offered him an enriching intellectual environment that sparked his literary genius. Goethe's linguistic prowess and poetic flair were evident from his early years.

Early Life and Education

At sixteen, Goethe found himself reluctantly studying law at the University of Leipzig. Dissatisfied with traditional book learning, he began to craft the seminal ideas for his future magnum opus, The Tragedy of Faust, a work that would take him half a century to complete. His university years were less about academic pursuits and more about writing poetry and plays, as well as experiencing the pangs of youthful romance. These early writings were intensely personal, a tradition he maintained even as his work evolved to universal themes, ensuring his stories were "fragments of a great confession," as he famously described them.

Formative Influences

A severe illness confined Goethe to his home during the winter of 1768 and all of 1769, where he fell under the influence of a devoutly religious friend of his mother. This period awakened in him a deep, mystical spirituality, which he soon left behind, though its essence was woven into The Tragedy of Faust. In 1770, Goethe's studies took him to Strasbourg, where he met Johann Gottfried von Herder. Herder introduced him to the rich tapestries of folk poetry and the works of Homer and Shakespeare, steering Goethe toward valuing emotion and authenticity in literature over mere adherence to decorum and taste.

The Sturm und Drang Movement

Influenced by Herder, Goethe became a pivotal figure in the Sturm und Drang movement, which challenged the constraints of classical and French literary traditions. Advocates of this movement sought to reject artificial constraints and embrace the raw, natural emotions of humanity. Goethe's The Sorrows of Young Werther emerged from this period, drawing from his own romantic experiences in Wetzlar in 1772. Its epistolary format, inspired by Richardson and Rousseau, captured the era's heart, igniting a wave of melancholic introspection and Weltschmerz throughout the literary world.

Life at Weimar

In 1775, Goethe accepted an invitation from Duke Karl August to visit Weimar, eventually becoming an integral part of the duke's inner circle. Goethe's brief visit turned into a long tenure, during which he held several authoritative roles in the government and was honored with a noble title. His scientific curiosity flourished in Weimar, contributing to fields such as optics, geology, and botany, where he often challenged established theories like those of Isaac Newton.

The Italian Journey and Classical Influence

Goethe's journey to Italy in 1786 marked a significant transition in his artistic journey. Immersed in the classical arts and ideals, he moved away from the passionate expressions of his earlier years. In Italy, he refined Iphigenia in Tauris into elegant blank verse, demonstrating a newfound appreciation for classical harmony and balance. His Roman Elegies, infused with the influence of Christiane Vulpius, whom he later married, reflect this classical rebirth.

Philosophical Dramas and Friendship with Schiller

Goethe's dramatic works from this era, such as Torquato Tasso, explored the tension between artistic creativity and pragmatic concerns. These works are reflective and poetic, underscoring Goethe's evolved perspective on life and love. His friendship with Friedrich Schiller, beginning in 1794, was particularly influential; the playwright's energy invigorated Goethe's literary pursuits, while Goethe offered Schiller a grounding perspective. Together, they edited the magazine Die Horen and co-authored the satirical Xenien.

Later Works and Legacy

Encouraged by Schiller, Goethe completed Wilhelm Meister’s Apprenticeship