Historischer Hintergrund Sturm Und Drang

The Sturm und Drang (Storm and Stress) movement was a significant period in German literary and intellectual history, flourishing from the late 1760s to the early 1780s. Understanding its historical context is crucial for appreciating its themes, aesthetics, and enduring influence. This article aims to provide a clear and concise overview of the historical backdrop against which Sturm und Drang emerged.

The Enlightenment's Discontents

To understand Sturm und Drang, it's essential to first consider the dominant intellectual climate of the time: the Enlightenment (Aufklärung). The Enlightenment, with its emphasis on reason, logic, and empirical observation, profoundly shaped 18th-century Europe. Thinkers like Immanuel Kant and Christian Wolff championed the power of reason to understand and improve the world. This led to reforms in education, law, and governance across Europe. However, Sturm und Drang represented, in many ways, a reaction against what its proponents perceived as the Enlightenment's limitations. They argued that reason alone was insufficient to capture the full spectrum of human experience.

The core ideas of the Enlightenment promoted a standardized, rational worldview, often perceived as stifling individual expression and emotion. Sturm und Drang writers and thinkers felt that the Enlightenment's focus on universal principles neglected the importance of individual experience, passion, and the power of nature. The movement therefore arose as a rebellion against the perceived constraints of Enlightenment rationalism.

Social and Political Frustrations

Beyond the philosophical realm, the social and political landscape of the German-speaking lands in the late 18th century played a crucial role in shaping Sturm und Drang. Unlike centralized nations like France or England, the Holy Roman Empire was a fragmented collection of principalities, duchies, and free cities. This political fragmentation resulted in a lack of national identity and a sense of powerlessness among many Germans.

Many young intellectuals, the core of the Sturm und Drang movement, felt restricted by the rigid social hierarchies and the arbitrary rule of the numerous German princes. Opportunities for social advancement were limited, and censorship was common. The Enlightenment's promise of progress and reform seemed to be progressing slowly, if at all, in their eyes.

This frustration with the status quo fueled a desire for change and a yearning for greater individual freedom. The Stürmer und Dränger (as the movement's members were called) sought to challenge existing social norms and to express their discontent with the political and social realities of their time. Their writings often featured rebellious characters who defied authority and pursued their own passions, reflecting the movement's deep-seated dissatisfaction with the existing order.

The Influence of Rousseau and Herder

Two figures were particularly influential in shaping the intellectual foundations of Sturm und Drang: Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Johann Gottfried Herder. Rousseau's emphasis on the "natural man" and the importance of emotion resonated deeply with the Stürmer und Dränger. Rousseau argued that society corrupted individuals and that true happiness could only be found in a return to nature and a cultivation of one's natural instincts. This idea of the "natural man" became a central theme in Sturm und Drang literature, with characters often rejecting societal norms in favor of a more authentic and emotional existence.

Herder, a philosopher and literary critic, further contributed to the movement's emphasis on individuality and cultural identity. He championed the concept of Volksgeist ("spirit of the people"), arguing that each nation possessed a unique cultural identity that should be celebrated and preserved. He encouraged the study of folklore, folk songs, and national traditions as a means of understanding and expressing the Volksgeist. This emphasis on national identity and cultural distinctiveness was a key element of Sturm und Drang, differentiating it from the more universalist tendencies of the Enlightenment. Herder's ideas directly influenced the movement's interest in rediscovering and reinterpreting German history and mythology.

The Concept of Genius

Central to the Sturm und Drang aesthetic was the concept of the genius. This concept, largely influenced by the writings of Rousseau and the aesthetic theories of the time, portrayed the artist as a unique individual possessed of extraordinary creative powers. The genius was seen as someone who could break free from the constraints of tradition and convention to create works of art that expressed profound emotions and original insights. The Stürmer und Dränger believed that true art should be spontaneous, passionate, and authentic, reflecting the inner turmoil and creative fire of the artist.

This emphasis on genius led to a rejection of classical artistic ideals, which emphasized order, harmony, and restraint. Instead, the Stürmer und Dränger favored a more expressive and emotionally charged style, often characterized by dramatic language, exaggerated emotions, and a celebration of the irrational. This can be seen in the works of writers like Goethe (in his early period) and Schiller, whose characters often exhibit extraordinary passions and engage in acts of rebellion against societal norms.

Key Themes and Characteristics

Understanding the historical context helps illuminate the key themes and characteristics of Sturm und Drang literature and thought:

• Emphasis on Emotion and Passion: As a reaction against Enlightenment rationalism, Sturm und Drang celebrated emotion and passion as essential aspects of human experience.
• Rebellion Against Authority: The movement was characterized by a spirit of rebellion against political, social, and artistic authority. Characters in Sturm und Drang works often defied societal norms and challenged the established order.
• Individualism and Subjectivity: Sturm und Drang emphasized the importance of individual experience and the subjective perception of reality.
• The Power of Nature: Nature was seen as a source of inspiration, freedom, and spiritual renewal. Natural settings often served as a backdrop for dramatic events and emotional outbursts.
• The Concept of Genius: The artist as a genius was a central figure in Sturm und Drang, capable of creating original and emotionally powerful works of art.
• Interest in National Identity: Influenced by Herder, the movement showed a strong interest in German history, mythology, and folklore.

These themes are evident in the works produced during this period. For example, Goethe's The Sorrows of Young Werther (Die Leiden des jungen Werther) explores the intense emotions and tragic fate of a young artist who is unable to find his place in society. Schiller's early dramas, such as The Robbers (Die Räuber), feature rebellious characters who challenge the established order and fight for justice. These works, along with others from the period, reflect the Sturm und Drang movement's deep-seated concerns about individual freedom, social justice, and the power of human emotion.

Economic Factors

While philosophical and social factors often take center stage, economic shifts also contributed to the environment in which Sturm und Drang thrived. The burgeoning middle class, fueled by early forms of industrialization and trade, possessed increasing levels of education and disposable income. This demographic formed a crucial readership for the literature and a receptive audience for the movement's ideas. The growth of printing and publishing made books more accessible, allowing Sturm und Drang ideals to spread more rapidly than previously possible. Furthermore, the economic disparities within German society intensified feelings of resentment and injustice, adding fuel to the fire of rebellion that characterized the movement.

The Legacy of Sturm und Drang

Although relatively short-lived, Sturm und Drang had a profound and lasting impact on German literature and culture. It paved the way for the Romantic movement, which further emphasized emotion, imagination, and the importance of individual experience. The movement's emphasis on national identity and cultural distinctiveness also contributed to the development of German nationalism in the 19th century. Sturm und Drang influenced numerous writers, artists, and thinkers, and its themes continue to resonate in contemporary literature and culture.

By understanding the historical context of Sturm und Drang, we can gain a deeper appreciation for its significance as a period of intellectual and artistic ferment that challenged established norms and paved the way for new forms of expression. The movement's legacy continues to inspire us to question authority, embrace our emotions, and celebrate the power of individual experience.