Heinrich von Kleist
Prinz Friedrich von Homburg
"Prinz Friedrich von Homburg" by Heinrich von Kleist is a drama written in 1809/1810. A young Prussian cavalry general disobeys orders during battle and leads his regiment to victory. Despite the triumph, the Great Elector has him arrested and sentenced to death for insubordination. The prince must confront his fear of dying and grapple with questions of military discipline, personal freedom, and duty to the state. Will he accept his fate or seek pardon by declaring the sentence unjust?