Die Homerrezeption im “Sturm und Drang” und deutscher Nationalismus im 18. Jahrhundert

Abstract

In the second half of the 18th century German authors turned to the almost entirely neglected early Greek tradition. In the process of establishing a national identity, Germans renounced the community of the paneuropean Romanitas: the “Original Genius” of Homer replaced Vergil. At that time the poets of the “Sturm und Drang” movement viewed what was perceived as the relatively primitive state of German literature as the very proof of its close inner relationship with Homer's time. One who brought about the change from the prevailing aesthetic toward a natural, enthousiastic poetry, was Klopstock. At a later point in time, in 1767/68, Klopstock modified the theory of the “Naturgenie” by changing its poetological conception with its intrinsic enthusiams into a political and national one. He was followed by the poets of the “Goettingen Grove”, who were attracted by his idea of a new patriotic poetry.