Sturm und Drang

Definition

Sturm und Drang, which translates to 'Storm and Stress,' was a German literary movement in the late 18th century that emphasized individual emotion, nature, and rebellion against societal norms. This movement marked a significant shift in literature, showcasing intense emotional experiences and the struggles of the individual against the constraints of society. It laid the groundwork for later Romanticism, influencing themes of passion, heroism, and the sublime in both German literature and world literature more broadly.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sturm und Drang emerged in Germany around the 1770s as a reaction against the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason and logic.
2. Key figures of this movement included writers like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller, who explored themes of emotional intensity and individuality.
3. The movement celebrated the power of nature, often depicting it as a source of inspiration and spiritual insight for the individual.
4. Sturm und Drang played a crucial role in shaping the Romantic movement by emphasizing emotional depth and personal experience over societal expectations.
5. The term itself reflects a focus on conflict and turmoil, encapsulating the struggle between personal desires and societal constraints.

Review Questions

• How did Sturm und Drang influence the development of Romanticism in literature?
  • Sturm und Drang significantly influenced Romanticism by prioritizing emotion and individuality over rational thought. The intense feelings and personal struggles depicted in Sturm und Drang works laid a foundation for Romantic writers who continued to explore similar themes. This focus on emotional depth allowed later Romantic authors to push boundaries even further, often celebrating the individual’s connection with nature and their inner experiences.
• In what ways did key authors from the Sturm und Drang movement embody its principles through their works?
  • Authors like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller exemplified Sturm und Drang principles by creating characters who faced intense emotional conflicts and societal pressures. Their works often highlighted themes of rebellion against authority and explored deep feelings about love, nature, and existential struggles. For example, Goethe’s 'The Sorrows of Young Werther' captures the protagonist's turbulent emotions and ultimate despair, showcasing the movement's emphasis on personal suffering as a source of artistic inspiration.
• Evaluate how Sturm und Drang's focus on individual emotion can be seen as a precursor to modern themes in world literature.
  • Sturm und Drang's emphasis on individual emotion resonates with modern themes found in contemporary literature across cultures. By prioritizing personal experience over societal norms, it opened pathways for exploring complex psychological states in characters. This focus is evident in modern works that address mental health issues, identity struggles, and cultural conflicts, as authors continue to draw on the rich tradition of individualism established by Sturm und Drang while also reflecting current societal challenges.

Related terms

Romanticism:

A cultural movement that emerged in the late 18th century, emphasizing emotion, individualism, and a connection to nature as a reaction against the rationalism of the Enlightenment.

Individualism:

A social theory or worldview that emphasizes the moral worth of the individual and promotes independence and self-reliance.

Sublime: Aesthetic concept referring to an experience that evokes overwhelming feelings of awe or beauty, often linked to nature or grand themes.