The Life of Friedrich Schiller Comprehending an Examination of His Works · Thomas Carlyle
FROM HIS SETTLEMENT AT JENA TO HIS DEATH.
(1790-1805.) Academical duties. Study of History: Cosmopolitan philosophy, and national instincts. History of the _Thirty-Years War_. (p. 119.)--Sickness, and help in it. Heavy trial for a literary man. Schiller's unabated zeal. (125.)--Enthusiasm and conflicts excited by Kant's Philosophy. Schiller's growing interest in the subject: Letters on _AEsthetic Culture_, &c. Claims of Kant's system to a respectful treatment. (129.)--Fastidiousness and refinement of taste. Literary projects: Epic poems: Returns to the Drama. Outbreak of the French Revolution. (137.)--Edits the _Horen_: Connexion with Goethe. A pleasant visit to his parents. Mode of life at Jena: Night-studies, and bodily stimulants. (143.)--_Wallenstein_: Brief sketch of its character and compass: Specimen scenes, Max Piccolomini and his Father; Max and the Princess Thekla; Thekla's frenzied grief: No nobler or more earnest dramatic work. (152.)--Removes to Weimar: Generosity of the Duke. Tragedy of _Maria Stuart_. (178.)--The _Maid of Orleans_: Character of Jeanne d'Arc: Scenes, Joanna and her Suitors; Death of Talbot; Joanna and Lionel. Enthusiastic reception of the play. (181.)--Daily and nightly habits at Weimar. The _Bride of Messina_. _Wilhelm Tell_: Truthfulness of the Characters and Scenery: Scene, the Death of Gossler. (201.)--Schiller's dangerous illness. Questionings of Futurity. The last sickness: Many things grow clearer: Death. (219.)--General sorrow for his loss. His personal aspect: Modesty and simplicity of manner: Mental gifts. (222.)--Definitions of genius. Poetic sensibilities and wretchedness: In such miseries Schiller had no share. A fine example of the German character: No cant; no cowardly compromising with his own conscience: Childlike simplicity. Literary Heroism. (227.) * * * * * Small Book by Herr Saupe, entitled _Schiller and his Father's Household_. Really interesting and instructive. Translation, with slight corrections and additions. (p. 241.)
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