It will be found helpful to read the extracts from German Literature in
connection with the “Outline of German Literature” in THE CHAUTAUQUAN for
November, thus fixing the period to which each author belongs. Care has
been taken in selecting the extracts to choose only from those who are in
the first rank, and omit all minor writers. The selections are intended
to show the style of each, and the lines of thought which he followed.
P. 132, c. 2.—“Würtzburg,” wurtsˈburg. A city of Bavaria on the Main,
whose history dates back to the sixth century.
“Minster.” The word comes from the Latin _monasterium_, and is applied
to the church or chapel belonging to a monastery; also, as here, to a
cathedral.
“War of Wartburg.” In 1206 the landgrave, Hermann I., summoned the poets
of his nation to a musical tournament in the castle of Wartburg, in the
Thuringian Forest. The competition ran so high that it was called the
Wartburg war, and in 1300, a poem, “The War of Wartburg,” appeared,
celebrating the event.
P. 134, c. 1.—“Luther.” The value of Luther’s literary work can not be
estimated. As a poet, his hymns have won him a permanent place. Beside
his original verses, he re-arranged and set to music many of the Psalms,
thus really founding the church music of Germany. His translation of the
Bible must be counted his most important work; but beside this he left
a mass of sermons, theses, tracts and controversial writings which, at
the time of their writing, wielded wide influence. These latter show
most plainly the fiery spirit of their author, his clear conceptions of
truths, and his pure style. Special attention should be called to his
“Table Talk,” which contains numberless short and pithy statements of his
opinions, and to his Catechism on the Decalogue, Apostles’ Creed, and the
Lord’s Prayer.
P. 134, c. 2.—“Nathan the Wise.” This was Lessing’s last drama, and
was written to show his own religious views and to advocate the wide
toleration in which he believed. The three chief characters, Nathan a
Jew, Saladin a Mohammedan, and a Christian are thrown together, and their
association causes a strong friendship in spite of their diverse views.
They practice the utmost charity toward each other. The story of the
“Three Rings” contains the point of the drama. It is taken from an old
Italian novel.