Author
Jakob Michael Reinhold Lenz
1751-1792
Jakob Michael Reinhold Lenz (1751-1792) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Jakob Michael Reinhold Lenz
Zerbin, oder die neuere Philosophie
"Zerbin, oder die neuere Philosophie" by Jakob Michael Reinhold Lenz is a narrative published in 1776. A young philosophy student in Leipzig abandons his father's wealth to build an independent life through teaching. His relationships with three women expose his moral compromises and self-interest. When he seduces Marie, a devoted young woman who supports him financially, then abandons her during pregnancy, the consequences prove devastating. Marie's unwavering love and Zerbin's belated recognition of his betrayal drive both toward tragic ends in this tale of moral failure.
Der Waldbruder, ein Pendant zu Werthers Leiden
"Der Waldbruder, ein Pendant zu Werthers Leiden" by Jakob Michael Reinhold Lenz is a narrative written in 1776. Herz, the forest hermit, lives in a world of fantasy and idealism. He becomes entangled in an intrigue orchestrated by the wealthy, unattractive widow Hohl, who manipulates his romantic feelings for the beautiful Countess Stella. His friend Rothe launches a counter-intrigue to rescue him. Through letters from seven people, the fragmented story explores delusion, manipulation, and unfulfilled love in this Sturm und Drang tale.
Der Engländer
"Der Engländer" by Jakob Michael Reinhold Lenz is a dramatic sketch published in 1777. The work follows Robert Hot, an English lord consumed by obsessive longing for Princess Armida in Turin. As his father arrives to take him back to England for an arranged marriage, Robert's desperate attempts to reach the unattainable princess spiral into madness. Through melancholic monologues and increasingly erratic behavior, the drama traces his tragic descent across two countries, exploring themes of unfulfilled desire and resignation.
Die Soldaten
"Die Soldaten" by Jakob Michael Reinhold Lenz is a bourgeois tragedy written in 1776. Set in French Flanders, the play follows Marie Wesener, a merchant's daughter who abandons her engagement to pursue a relationship with a young officer. When he discards her after a brief affair, she faces social ruin and is branded an outcast by society. The drama critiques the class divide and the careless behavior of soldiers toward middle-class women in eighteenth-century society.
Der Hofmeister
"Der Hofmeister" by Jakob Michael Reinhold Lenz is a tragicomedy written in 1774. A private tutor takes a position with a Prussian major's family, teaching both the lazy son and the fourteen-year-old daughter Gustchen. When an illicit relationship develops between tutor and student, resulting in pregnancy, both flee in disgrace. The major's rage and the lovers' desperation set off a chain of tragic events involving betrayal, imprisonment, and attempted suicide, leading to an unexpected and disturbing resolution.
Vertheidigung des Herrn Wieland gegen die Wolken, von dem Verfasser der Wolken Deutsche Litteraturdenkmale des 18. und 19. Jahrhunderts, No. 121, Dritte Folge No. 1
"Vertheidigung des Herrn Wieland gegen die Wolken, von dem Verfasser der Wolken" by J. M. R. Lenz is a literary defense written in the late 18th century. This work addresses the criticisms levied against the author Christoph Martin Wieland, particularly in response to satirical attacks from his contemporaries, including Lenz himself. Focusing on the intellectual debates and tensions of the time, it explores themes of artistic integrity, moral values, and the role of literature in society. The opening of the text establishes a context for Lenz’s defense, indicating that he aims to clarify his controversial position regarding Wieland’s work, particularly his perceived moral failings. Lenz begins by reflecting on the circumstances that prompted his initial criticisms and the satirical piece titled "Wolken." Acknowledging the tumultuous literary landscape, he discusses the necessity of addressing both the impact of personal grievances and the broader implications for German literature. Through philosophical discourse and commentary on contemporary literary trends, Lenz seeks to vindicate Wieland while simultaneously warning future writers of the perils of literary reputation.
Der Landprediger
"Der Landprediger" by Jakob Michael Reinhold Lenz is a narrative written in the winter of 1776/77. The story follows Johannes Mannheim, a village pastor who breaks convention by mixing spiritual duties with economic reform. After studying theology and agriculture, he transforms his rural parish by uniting villagers to improve farming practices and close social divides between nobility and citizens. His prosperous household becomes an unlikely center for artists and scholars, creating a small academy in the countryside.