Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship
Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship (German: Wilhelm Meisters Lehrjahre) is a seminal novel by the influential German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, published in 1795-96. This work is recognized as a foundational piece in the Bildungsroman genre, a literary form focused on the psychological and moral growth of the protagonist from youth to adulthood.
Plot Overview
The narrative follows Wilhelm Meister, a young man from a wealthy trading family, who becomes dissatisfied with his mundane life. He embarks on a journey of self-discovery, attempting to reconcile his artistic aspirations with societal expectations. Throughout his travels, Wilhelm encounters a host of characters that influence his philosophical outlook and personal development.
Themes and Influence
Wilhelm Meister's journey is interwoven with themes of theatricality, self-realization, and the reconciliation of artistic ambitions with social responsibilities. The novel is notable for its portrayal of the eighteenth-century German reception of William Shakespeare's work, particularly through the character Jarno, who introduces Wilhelm to these literary masterpieces. This reflects Goethe's own admiration for Shakespeare.
Literary Significance
The novel is not only a tale of personal growth but also a reflection of Goethe's views on the role of art and theater in society. The character of Wilhelm becomes a vehicle through which Goethe explores these complex ideas, making it a pivotal work in the evolution of the novel as a literary form. Moreover, the influence of Goethe's close friend and collaborator Friedrich Schiller is evident in the final shaping of the novel.
Sequel and Legacy
The story of Wilhelm Meister continues in the sequel, Wilhelm Meister's Journeyman Years (also known as "Wilhelm Meister's Travels"), which was conceived in the 1790s but only published in its entirety in 1829. The sequel further explores the themes of personal development and the broader philosophical questions introduced in the first novel.
Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship has had a lasting impact on literature, influencing countless authors and solidifying Goethe's position as a towering figure in world literature. Its exploration of the protagonist's inner life set a precedent for future novels centered around individual growth and development.