Emilia Galotti
by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
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Emilia Galotti, by German writer, philosopher, dramatist, and art critic, Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, was originally published in English as translated by Ernest Bell, in 1891. The work is a play in five acts, originally premiering on the 8th of March 1772 in Brunswick. The work is a classic example of German b�rgerliches Trauerspiel (bourgeois tragedy). Emilia Galotti is a drama of the Enlightenment, though it doesn't precisely follow the standard French model of the era. Although love is a show more central theme, in reality Emilia Galotti is primarily a political commentary. The arbitrary style of rule by the aristocracy is placed in stark contrast to the new and enlightened morality of the bourgeoisie. show lessTags
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German Classic
This is a true classic by one of the greatest authors in all of German literature. It is one of the first examples of a critical view of hereditary aristocracy and its ability to set itself above religion, morals, decency and ethics. Perhaps the only difference between then and now is that “hereditary” has today been replaced with “monetary”. The basic principle, however, is the same.
Jul 25, 2025 (Edited)English (UK)
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18th Century
42 works; 12 members
Author Information
Lessing, one of the outstanding literary critics of all time, was "the first figure of European stature in modern German literature." The son of a Protestant pastor, he was educated in Meissen and at Leipzig University, then went to Berlin as a journalist in 1749. While employed as secretary to General Tauentzien (1760--65), he devoted his leisure show more to classical studies. This led to his critical essay Laocoon (1776), in which he attempted to clarify certain laws of aesthetic perception by comparing poetry and the visual arts. He fought always for truth and combined a penetrating intellect with shrewd common sense. He furthered the German theater through his weekly dramatic notes and theories, found mainly in the Hamburg Dramaturgy (1769), which he wrote during his connection with the Hamburg National Theater as critic and dramatist (1768--69). His plays include Miss Sara Sampson (1755), important as the first German prose tragedy of middle-class life; Minna von Barnhelm (1767), his finest comedy and the best of the era; and his noble plea for religious tolerance, Nathan the Wise (1779). (Bowker Author Biography) show less
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Fabeln und Erzählungen in Versen : Emilia Galotti + Fabeln + Minna von Barnhelm + Miß Sara Sampson + Nathan der Weise by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
The Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing Miss Sara Sampson, Philotas, Emilia Galotti, Nathan the Wise by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
Gotthold Ephraim Lessing Werke in drei Bänden als kommentierte Winkler Dünndruck Ausgabe Band I: Dichtungen - Dramen / Fabeln und Erzählungen / Sinngedichte / Epigramme / Lieder / Oden by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
Hamburger Lesehefte plus Königs Materialien : Gotthold Ephraim Lessing : Emilia Galotti by Rüdiger Bernhardt (indirect)
Has as a commentary on the text
Has as a student's study guide
Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- Emilia Galotti
- Original title
- Emilia Galotti: Ein Trauerspiel in fünf Aufzügen
- Original publication date
- 1772
- People/Characters*
- Emilia Galotti; Odoardo Galotti; Claudia Galotti; Pirro; Hettore Gonzaga; Marinelli (show all 10); Camillo Rota; Conti; Graf Appiani; Gräfin Orsina
- Related movies*
- Emilia Galotti (1913 | IMDb); Emilia Galotti (1958 | IMDb); Emilia Galotti (1970 | IMDb); Emilia Galotti (2003 | IMDb); Emilia (2005 | IMDb)
- First words*
- Der Prinz, an einem Arbeitstische, voller Briefschaften und Papiere, deren einige er durchläuft.
Klagen, nichts als Klagen! - Last words*
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)Ist es, zum Unglücke so mancher, nicht genug, dass Fürsten Menschen sind: müssen sich auch noch Teufel in ihren Freund verstellen?
- Original language
- German
*Some information comes from Common Knowledge in other languages. Click "Edit" for more information.
Classifications
- Genre
- Fiction and Literature
- DDC/MDS
- 832.6 — Literature & rhetoric German & related literatures German drama 1750–1832 : 18th century; classical period; romantic period
- LCC
- PT2398 .E3 .W5 — Language and Literature German, Dutch and Scandinavian literatures German literature Individual authors or works 1700-ca. 1860/70
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 705
- Popularity
- 40,408
- Reviews
- 3
- Rating
- (3.38)
- Languages
- 8 — Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Turkish
- Media
- Paper, Audiobook, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 62
- ASINs
- 22
