discussions with personal rivalries . The names of the key players ( the Schlegels , the Schellings , Novalis , Tierck , and Hegel ) are confusing at first , but the persons slowly become old friends and their contributions to the movement become quickly engrained in one ’ s mind . The complex philosophies of Kant , Fichte , Schelling , and Hegel are at times too simplified or contorted to fit the subtitle “ the Invention of Self ,” but the book stimulates one to revisit their treatises .
A fascinating take on retelling the story of the Jena Set was Andrea Wulf ’ s emphasis on two women in the group . The thricemarried Caroline Böhmer-Schlegel- Schelling , née Michaelis , is depicted as the “ conductor of the great symphony .” Recognized today as an important writer , translator ( Shakespeare ), and literary critic in her own right , she was the “ heart ” of the group . Her home served as the daily meeting point , inspiring conversation and discussion . Nevertheless , her works were always published in the name of one of her successful husbands . Dorothea Veil-Schlegel , née Brendel Mendelssohn , suffered a similar fate , made even more complicated by her Jewish faith . In a world where marriage meant that a wife had to give up her estate money , civil rights , and freedom , or in the words of Fichte “ ceases to live the life of an individual ; her live has become a part of his ,” the role of these two women in this rebellious group is quite revealing .
A highly recommended read to become well acquainted with the important German influence of the Romantic movement that consequently moved through England and the States .
“ IT IS THROUGH BEAUTY THAT WE REACH FREEDOM .”
FRIEDRICH SCHILLER , LETTERS ON THE AESTHETIC EDUCATION OF MAN
T A K E S
“ I found the book a bit heavy on personal detail and a bit light on clear summarizing of the philosophic contributions for my liking . I was disappointed , too , by the exclusive focus on Jena , without addressing how important the postbattle years were after the key players had dispersed and the Napoleonic occupation intensified the introspection and yearning for distant or past or ideal / mystic realms , which is so evident in artists like Caspar David Friedrich . Also the prevention of more discussion of individuals like Tieck and Schleiermacher , who never lived in Jena but were important for art developments . On the other hand , I am very happy to understand “ why Jena ?” and to know generally where these well-known names fit in .
Great to know about the “ fragments ” that preceded the
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