About this ebook
The Sense Poem ("Das Sinngedicht" in German) is a novella cycle authored by Swiss poet Gottfried Keller. Its inception commenced in Berlin around 1851 when Keller conceived initial ideas, followed by the composition of introductory chapters in 1855. The major portion of the text, yet, was crafted in Zurich during 1881, concomitant with its serialization in the "Deutsche Rundschau." The Sense Poem received large acclaim among modern readers and literary critics, becoming a pinnacle of his literary career. Keller's new structuring, including chapter titles reminiscent of Cervantes' "Don Quijote," imbues the work with a playful ironic ambiance. The male protagonist's viewpoint shapes the framing story, analogous to Cervantes' Don Quijote, adding to the novella cycle's story charm. Its initial success was showed by successive editions, with reviewers likening the work's stature to that of Boccaccio's "Decameron." Boccaccio' was a major artistic influence at the time Herman Hesse wrote a Pathographic essay on him and his influence in Germany. The cycle derives its name from an epigram, or "Sinngedicht," by Baroque poet Friedrich von Logau. The epigram reads "How will you turn white lilies into red roses? / Kiss a white galathee: she will laugh blushing!" and alludes to Galateia, the embodiment of female beauty's dual nature, provocative allure and tempering influence. Logau's composition is a poetic discourse on gallant advice. The cycle's seven novellas are entwined within a framing story, a love story set in the romantic environs of a 19th century German university town. The protagonist, Herr Reinhart, a young naturalist, engages in a spirited exchange with Lucie, a hostess of wit and beauty. Through the exchange of Logau's epigram, they embark on a discussion revolving around the equality of genders in encouraging successful marriages, evoking tales exemplifying different love choices. The story culminates in Reinhart and Lucie's burgeoning affection. Here, Keller studies themes of science, nature, and human experience through a story that blends detailed scientific observation with personal introspection. The story begins with a naturalist named Reinhard, deeply immersed in his scientific experiments and physically and mentally exhausted by his work. When he takes a break and ventures into the countryside, he encounters several characters and situations that challenge his rational worldview and provoke a deeper reflection on life and human relationships. Reinhard's journey is marked by interactions with several women, each embodying different parts of beauty, intellect, and simplicity. These encounters show the conflict between his scientific pursuits and the natural, emotional world he has neglected. The story interweaves Reinhard's internal struggles with vivid descriptions of landscapes and settings, creating a rich mixture that studies the harmony and discord between science and nature, reason and emotion. This edition pairs a modern translation of The Sense Poem with supporting material that situates Keller historically and intellectually. Nietzsche considered Keller to be one of the greatest living poets of his time. yet, his works are rarely found in other languages, so most people today are unaware of who he was or why he was major. The edition presents The Sense Poem in accessible English with additional context for Keller's ideas and historical milieu. For The Sense Poem, the translation works directly from Keller's manuscripts and this new translation delivers literary excellence and scholarly depth with supporting materials. In this edition, The Sense Poem appears with an afterword tracing Keller's intellectual relationship with Nietzsche, revealing the detailed dialogue between two of the period's most influential minds. To frame The Sense Poem, the edition provides a timeline that connects the major events of Keller's life with his published works, and a detailed index provides an guide to his complete writings.
The Sense Poem ("Das Sinngedicht" in German) is a novella cycle authored by Swiss poet Gottfried Keller. Its inception commenced in Berlin around 1851 when Keller conceived initial ideas, followed by the composition of introductory chapters in 1855. The major portion of the text, yet, was crafted...
Discover more
About the author
Gottfried Keller (1819 to 1890) was a Swiss poet, novelist, and short story writer who also served as a public official in Zurich. His best known books include Green Henry and the story cycle The People of Seldwyla, alongside poetry, diaries, letters, and political prose.
Gottfried Keller (1819 to 1890) was a Swiss poet, novelist, and short story writer who also served as a public official in Zurich. His best known books include Green Henry and the story cycle The People of Seldwyla, alongside poetry, diaries, letters, and political prose.
Rate this ebook
Tell us what you think.
Reading information
Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.
