Sturm und drang

Definition

Sturm und Drang, which translates to 'storm and stress,' refers to a German literary and artistic movement in the late 18th century that emphasized emotion, individualism, and the rejection of established norms. It played a crucial role in shaping Romantic literature by focusing on intense feelings, nature, and the struggles of the human spirit against societal constraints. The movement is characterized by its embrace of rebellion, the glorification of nature, and the exploration of the complexities of human emotion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sturm und Drang emerged as a reaction against the rationalism and order of Enlightenment thought, favoring emotional depth and personal experience.
2. The movement is closely associated with the writings of Goethe and Schiller, who both explored intense emotions and the individual's struggle against societal constraints.
3. Sturm und Drang literature often features protagonists who rebel against social norms and face inner turmoil, reflecting the movement's emphasis on individualism.
4. Nature is a recurring theme in Sturm und Drang works, often depicted as a powerful force that mirrors human emotions and struggles.
5. The movement laid the groundwork for later Romantic ideals, influencing not only literature but also music and visual arts during the Romantic period.

Review Questions

• How did Sturm und Drang serve as a reaction against Enlightenment ideals?
  • Sturm und Drang emerged as a direct response to the Enlightenment's focus on reason, order, and empirical thought. By prioritizing emotion and individual experience, this movement challenged established norms and celebrated personal freedom. Writers associated with Sturm und Drang sought to express deep feelings and explore the complexities of human nature, contrasting sharply with the rationalistic approach of their predecessors.
• In what ways did Goethe's works embody the principles of Sturm und Drang?
  • Goethe's works exemplify Sturm und Drang through their intense emotional depth and focus on individual struggle. For instance, in 'The Sorrows of Young Werther,' he portrays a protagonist grappling with unrequited love and societal constraints, highlighting personal anguish. This emphasis on strong feelings and rebellion against social norms reflects the core ideals of the movement, showcasing how personal experience can drive literary expression.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of Sturm und Drang on Romantic literature and other art forms.
  • Sturm und Drang significantly influenced Romantic literature by establishing a foundation for exploring themes of emotion, nature, and individuality. The movement's focus on personal experience paved the way for later Romantic writers who embraced similar ideas in their works. Moreover, its impact extended beyond literature to music and visual arts, inspiring composers like Beethoven and painters like Caspar David Friedrich to incorporate emotional intensity and nature into their creations. Thus, Sturm und Drang remains a pivotal point in understanding the evolution of artistic expression during this transformative period.

Related terms

Romanticism:

A cultural movement that emerged in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and the glorification of nature, often as a reaction against the rationalism of the Enlightenment.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe:

A prominent German writer and a key figure in the Sturm und Drang movement, known for works like 'The Sorrows of Young Werther' that explore deep emotional struggles and individualism.

Friedrich Schiller: A German poet and playwright who was also associated with the Sturm und Drang movement; his works often dealt with themes of freedom, personal conflict, and the moral dilemmas of humanity.