What Happened
George Brandes traces the rise of the German Romantic School from its rationalist roots into a realm of mystic longing and purposeful purposelessness. The movement begins with Friedrich Schlegel’s praise of idleness and Ludwig Tieck’s moody, atmospheric tales that prioritize emotional 'vapor' over coherent action. As these writers reject the constraints of the state and professional callings, they turn toward medievalism, Catholic mysticism, and an idealized Italy. The narrative follows this shift from individualistic rebellion — epitomized by characters who lose their shadows — to a collective nationalism that seeks the 'soul' of the German people in folk songs and political reaction.
Key figures
- Friedrich Schlegel
Theorist of idleness and author of the controversial novel 'Lucinde'.
- Ludwig Tieck
Prolific author who transitioned from gruesome tales to romantic emotionalism.
- Novalis
Mystic poet who claimed the poetical is the only absolute reality.
- Heinrich von Kleist
Dramatist who attempted to rival Goethe before his tragic career ended.
What it's really about
- Productive Idleness
- The belief that regular professions destroy the master soul.
- Mystic Nationalism
- A transition from individual dreaming to political and folk-centric reaction.
Why it's memorable
- A man selling his shadow to the devil and buying a lamp that casts none.
- A boy weeping because his father has lost his reflection in an Italian mirror.
Where it lands
The German Romantic impulse eventually traveled north, sparking the collection of national fairy tales and folk songs in Norway and Denmark.
For your book club
- Whether Schlegel's 'instinct of change' is high philosophy or just an excuse for unemployment.
- The shift from worshipping classical Greek perfection to the 'naïve' sentimentality of the Middle Ages.