Gottholdephraimlessing (1729 65438+1October 22-17865438+February 0 15) was one of the most important writers and literary theorists in the German Enlightenment, and his plays and theoretical works had an extremely important influence on the development of German literature in later generations.
Chinese name: Gotthold Ephraim Lessing.
Mbth: GottholdEphraimLessing
Nationality: Germany
Date of birth:1729165438+1October 22nd.
Date of death: 178 1 February 15.
Occupation: writer and literary theorist
Faith: Christianity
Representative works: Young scholars (1748), Jews (1749), etc.
all one's life
Gotthold Ephraim Lessing was born in Kamenz, Upper Lauz. Like many other German writers in the18th century, he came from a Protestant family. His father is the chief priest of Kamenz Cathedral and the author of theological works: JohannGottfriedLessing, his mother is JustineSalome, her maiden name is Feller, and she is the daughter of her husband's superior. Lessing is the third of her parents' twelve children.
From 1737 to 174 1, I studied at the Latin school in Kamenz, and then came to Maison (Mei? En) the aristocratic school in St. Abra. From September 1746, he began to conduct theological research at the University of Leipzig.
Soon Lessing began to engage in more secular activities, learning dance, fencing and horseback riding, and became interested in drama. He published the first batch of poems, fables and poetic short stories in Nature Researcher magazine, as well as "Stimulating the Happiness of the Soul" published by his cousin ChristlobMylius. Lessing had to leave Leipzig in the summer of 1748 to avoid creditors because of her debts and debts guaranteed for the theater staff. He stayed in Wittenberg for a while and wanted to study medicine there. 10, he came to Berlin.
Lessing decided to pursue a career as a freelance writer before she was 20. Together with Julius, he published the journal Historical Papers and Drama Review. In addition, he wrote book reviews, poems and plays (Jews and skeptics) and translated them. From 175 1, he also worked for the Berlin Charter.
Due to the pressure of his father and the dispute with Voltaire in the court of Friedrich II at that time, it brought serious consequences-Lessing exposed his friends to Voltaire's book Louis XIV, which was not dedicated to the king by printing the original-Lessing went to wittenberg at the end of 175 1 to finish his studies there. 1752 received a master's degree in philosophy in April.
From 1752, 1 1, Lessing came to Berlin again. He translated the works of Voltaire and Friedrich II, and started his ambitious drama library project (never completed), which should provide the critical drama history of all nationalities in the past dynasties in an unconventional way. From 1753 to 1755, he published a collection of works divided into six parts. In the spring of 1755, he created Miss Sarah samson.
Although Lessing is famous in the literary world, she has been looking for a stable job. He went to Leipzig. He accepted the advice of ChristianGottfriedWinkler, a wealthy businessman, and accompanied him on a four-year trip to Europe. 1756 In May, they left Leipzig. It was only in August that they were frightened by the outbreak of the Seven-Year War in Amsterdam and had to return. After returning to Leipzig, which was occupied by Prussia, Lessing quickly established close friendship with EwaldChristianvonKleist, a Prussian professional and writer.
Lessing returned to Berlin in 1758 and wrote the first letters about literature at that time. 1759 published the one-act play Philotas.
The time from 176 1 to 1765 is a magical time. Lessing was the executive secretary of Prussian general Taunzien in breslau. Getting rid of all economic problems, Lessing lived a free life as an artist and was addicted to gambling. Only at 1763, he wrote in his letter to his father: "I have wasted three years because of this meaningless life, and now it is time for me to get on the right track."
1765 In May, he returned to Berlin and resumed his literary work-not without difficulties. 1766, he published a rich work: "laocoon", which was an aesthetic treatise, and had a great influence on later generations at first. Mina von Barnheim published in 1767.
After Lessing's wish to become a librarian of the Royal Library was shattered in 1766, he devoted himself to the work of the Hamburg National Theatre in preparation. He passionately planned to turn the National Theatre into a national cultural institution. 1769 Easter, the project ended in failure because of the funding problem and the dispute between Lessing, a stage literature consultant, and two other directors.
1769 In September, Lessing accepted the invitation of the Brunswick court and became the librarian of Wolfen bootle.
His literary creation in the first few years of Wolfen Bite was not rich. He only published Amelia Garotti in 177 1. In addition, he published unsigned fragments of 1774 to 1778, which later involved him in the song policy of the Bishop of Hamburg.
1775 to 1776, via Leipzig and Dresden to Vienna. From Vienna, he accompanied Prince Leopold of Brunswick to Italy. The trip through Milan, Venice, Florence, Corsica, Genoa, Turin, Rome and Naples did not seem to leave any impression on Lessing, who accompanied the prince.
When he came back, Eva Koenig (EvaK? Nig) married. But he didn't get the happiness of life. 1777 12, his son died shortly after birth, and his wife died two weeks later.
Because of his unpleasant experience in Hamburg, he refused to take part in the work of the National Theatre being built in Mannheim. At Wolfen Beattre, he studied theology more and more. 1778 published On People's Education, 1780 completed. In addition, he also published a paper on the conservative Bishop of Hamburg, defending the right of reason and criticizing religion.
1778 The poetic drama Nathan the Wise came out as a continuation of this debate.
At the latest in 1780, Lessing's health deteriorated rapidly. He complained of inattention, poor eyesight, depression and morbid fatigue. He died while visiting Brunswick at the age of 52.
Thought Lessing is a writer, thinker and critic with a wide range of knowledge. As the main representative of the German Enlightenment, he was a pioneer in thinking about citizens' self-awareness. His theories and critical works are unique because of their often used funny and satirical styles and accurate arguments. The rhetorical style of dialogue in his works accords with his intention, that is, always observing things from different angles and looking for traces of truth from opponents' arguments. For him, truth has never been an unchangeable thing that can be mastered by people, but a process of getting closer and closer to truth.
Lessing became interested in drama very early. He has made great contributions to the development of German new citizen drama, both in his theory and critical articles on drama and in his own works as a writer. He opposed the dominant literary theory of John Christopher Gottschede and his disciples. He especially criticized imitating French drama as an example, and he supported reflecting on Aristotle's classical principles and drawing lessons from Shakespeare's works. Lessing was the first person in Germany to write Shakespeare's comments. He cooperates with many drama groups.
In Hamburg, Lessing tried to build the German National Theatre with others (until 1769). Now, his works are regarded as the model of German citizen drama developed later. Miss Sarah samson and Amelia Garotti are regarded as the earliest civic tragedies, and Mina von Barnheim is an example of many German classical dramas. Nathan the Wise is the first conceptual drama to explore the world outlook. His theoretical works "laocoon" and "Hamburg Drama Review" set a standard for discussing the principles of aesthetics and literary theory.
In his religious philosophy works, Lessing defended the freedom of thought of devout Christians. Through the dominant conservative academic viewpoint, he opposed the belief in God's revelation and the complete obedience to the Bible. Contrary to the conservative view, as a child of the Enlightenment, he believed in a "rational Christianity", which itself could guide the spiritual essence of faith. He believes that human reason (inspired by criticism and dissent) can develop itself without God's revelation. In order to arouse the public's discussion on "total dependence on faith", Lessing published seven unsigned fragments from 1774 to 1778, which triggered the so-called "fragment debate". Lessing's main opponent in this debate is the Bishop of Hamburg, G? tze. In response to G? tze, Lessing wrote some articles, including 1 1 against G? tze.
In addition, Lessing also participated in many debates with spokesmen of mainstream academic views and supported tolerance for other world religions. He also expressed his views in the form of drama (in Nathan the Wise) because his later theoretical works were banned from publication. In On Human Education, he expressed his views systematically.
The spirit of freedom (opposing the exemplary dominance of French drama in drama and the dogma of the church in religion) is the main thread that runs through Lessing's life. Therefore, he participated in the control from aristocrats to struggling citizens.
Under the liberated activities. As a writer, he has been pursuing independence from the crowd, but his ideal of living a free professional life is difficult to realize because of economic conditions.
works
Young scholars (1748), Jews (1749), skeptics (1749), Miss Sarah samson (1755) and Philotas (1755). +0767) Hamburg Drama Review (1767-1769), Amelia Garotti (1772), Song Dui Raiders (1778), Nathan the Wise (65438).