Friedrich von Schiller as Writer

German Philosopher, Poet and Playwright, Known for Ode to Joy

Oct 24, 2009 Tel Asiado

A biography of German philosopher Friedrich von Schiller, with focus on his work as a playwright and poet, best known for Ode to Joy, The Robbers, and historical dramas.

Friedrich von Schiller, an influential German philosopher, was also a poet, playwright and historian. He was a friend of Goethe. One of the greatest writers of the German literature, he was famous for historical dramas including Maria Stuart, The Maid of Orleans, and WIlliam Tell.

He lived during the "Sturm und Drang" movement, three years younger than the famous composer Mozart. His philosophies are found in his essays and letters.

Short Profile of Friedrich Schiller

Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller was born on November 10, 1759 in Marbach am Neckar, Germany. His father was an officer in the army and insisted that his son attend the military academy which the young Schiller hated. He was eventually expelled for writing a controversial essay on religion. But at 21, he was forced to join his father's regiment.

During the last 17 years of his life, he became a friend of influential and famous Johann Wolfgang Goethe, a proponent of "Sturm und Drang" movement, which he also joined. Later, the two ended their period of association with it, initiating Weimar Classicism. He died in Weimar, Germany. He died on May 9, 1805, aged 45.

Schiller's Passion as Playwright and Poet

Despite his father's warnings, Schiller continued to write. His first play, The Robbers, was performed when he was 22. It was popular with audiences, but he had to flee from Württemberg as he was nearly arrested for neglecting his military duties.

Freed from his duties, he wrote plays that attacked the corruption and unjust rule he saw in many German states. He also wrote poetry. One of his best poems, "Ode to Joy," was later set to music by Beethoven, a music that has become extremely popular along with the famous composer.

Goethe's Friendship and Influence

Schiller lived in the city of Jena when he became a close friend of the great German playwright and poet Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. They worked together on a number of plays, and through Goethe's influence, Friedrich von Schiller was appointed professor of history at the city's university. His fascination to study philosophy, history the theory of art immensely increased. He began exploring complex philosophical ideas in his plays and poems.

Schiller's last plays are masterpieces of historical drama. They include Maria Stuart, about Queen Elizabeth I of England and Mary Queen of Scots; The Maid of Orleans, about Joan of Arc; and William Tell, about the Swiss hero of that name.

Friedrich von Schiller was profoundly influenced by Jean J. Rousseau, Swiss-born French philosopher and novelist. His strong sense of freedom and expression of romanticism, having lived during the "Sturm und Drang" years, emerge in the characters of his plays.

Works by Friedrich von Schiller

• The Robbers, 1781
• Fiesco, 1783
• Intriguw and Love, 1784
• Don Carlos, 1787
• Wallenstein, 1798-1799
• Song of the Bell, 1799
• Maria Stuart, 1800
• The Maid of Orleans, 1801
• The Bride of Messina, 1803
• William Tell, 1804

Sources:

• Goring, Rosemary, Ed. Larousse Dictionary of Writers. New York: Larousse, 1994.
• McGovern, Una, Ed. Biographical Dictionary. Edinburgh: Chambers Harrap Publishers, 2002.
• Payne, Tom. The A-Z of Great Writers. London: Carlton, 1997.

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Friedrich von Schiller, German Playwright and Poet

Goethe and Schiller Monument, Weimar