Reclam Studienausgabe : Georg Büchner : Woyzeck

As somebody already pointed out, the story of a man driven insane by the insanity of society. While the idea in itself has tons of potential, I thought the execution leaves one rather unsatisfied. The nonlinear, almost sporadic structure is highly unusual, definitely predated, and works all right, even though the individual scenes do need a lot of polishing. I can see quite clearly the need to write several versions, move bits of dialogue and entire scenes about to see what works best where, since, after all, the loose structure does allow it. However, I couldn't help but think that if Büchner took the trouble to pen more than one version, perhaps he could have made the extra effort and completed at least one of them to satisfaction. I show more find it rather a pity he died before finishing it, as I suspect this might have stopped him from developing the piece further.
If I'd been the one writing it, I'd have definitely gone for a scene sequence that would clearly show the progression of Woyzeck's mental instability, and provide a stark contrast between the state of his mind and the interests of the corrupt society he's living in.
Altogether worth one's time, supposing one's patient enough to make sense of the scattered scenes and appreciate the subtle wit of some scenes.
Or maybe Büchner made such a mess of it on purpose - he wanted to inspire people to write fan fiction based on his work. Who knows. After we've covered it in Drama History class, maybe even I'll feel inspired. show less

A play that is harsh, vicious, and like much of Georg Büchner's opus, ahead of its time. Not all that difficult to read and understand if one's level of German is above basic intermediate, Woyzeck tugs at all emotions and provides ample food for thought and reflection. Highly recommended, and as an adjunct, I also recommend watching the film version of Woyzeck, starring the late great Klaus Kinski.

I haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaated this book! Forced to read it for graduate school. It's about a soldier who goes nuts on a strict diet of peas, and then murders his girlfriend. Ick.

Where is this book? I know I own it, I never throw books away, and it vanished. I believe I loaned it to someone and since I didn't really like it, have never really bothered to find out where it is.