Weiser, Ernest L.

Although E.T.A. Hoffmann's "Der goldne Topf" is a fairy
tale, it shows similarities to the Bildungsroman, or
developmental novel, especially in the theme of the
development of the poet. Because of this similarity,
the thesis will compare ''Der goldne Topf" to antecedent
works: Goethe's Wilhelm Meister and Novalis's Heinrich
von Ofterdingen. The comparison focuses on Anselmus,
the protagonist in "Der goldne Topf," his development
from awkward student to poet, his mentors, and the symbols
within the work.

This thesis examines the interrelation of love and loneliness in
the plot, structure, symbolism and characters' gestures in Theodor
Storm's Novellen, to determine the function of love in its connection
to tne ever-present theme of loneliness in Storm's fiction.
Lave between man and woman is the basic lave relationship considered
in the investigation. Storm shows how love can overcome
loneliness in various ways. The memory of a past love relationship
is used to combat present loneliness. The idea of a lasting
love relationship is embraced as the only possible solace in man's
lonely struggle for existence. The love relationship is the faundation
of a chain of generations which links the past, present and
future, and, therefore, limits the loneliness inherent in human
transitoriness. Love can only limit loneliness in Storm's Novellen,
never eliminate it.

Heinrich Heine's essay Ideen. Das Buch Le Grand has been attacked
by some critics as a disorganized work while others have praised
it as a masterpiece. These divergent opinions concerning Heine's
style are briefly considered in this thesis. A textual as well as
structural analysis of the essay demonstrates that the poet's conflict
between rationalism and romant i cism constitutes the unifying
theme of the work. Thereby the study shows that the essay merely
appears digressive and unsystematic yet is indeed an intricately
balanced work.

This study, one recommended by Hermann Weigand,
examines to what extent the novel Der Nachsorrimer by
Adalbert Stifter satisfies Schillerts specifications for
the "sentimental'' idyll as expressed in his essay Ueber
naive und sentimentalische Dichtung. A short survey of
German idyllic literature in the eighteenth century follows
a discussion of Schiller's concept of the idyll, in that
Schiller's statement refers directly to contemporary works
in this genre. An analysis of Der Nachsorrtrn:er is then
undertaken. Specific subjects of study are the behavior
of individual characters, the function of society and the
structure of the novel. The study indicates the means
Stifter uses to write an idyll that in many ways satisfies
Schiller's specifications.

The purpose of this study is to present an interpretation of Gottfried
Keller's novella Die drei gerechten Kammacher and to combine it
with a detailed analysis of the narrative technique and language of the
work.
Extensive research of relevant available literature indicates that
there has not been a detailed analytical study of this novella, although
it has frequently been described as one of the author's most creative
and imaginative works . A number of critics have raised interesting questions concerning the fatalistic and hopeless ending of the three combmakers. Others have criticized the language of the narrative, criticism
which will be considered in this thesis.
This thesis is divided into five sections : 1) Introduction; II)
Fundamentals of the novella: Genesis, Frame and Seldwyla; III) Interpretation of the novella; IV) Analysis of the Narrative Technique. These
chapters are followed by an analysis of the work in totality and conclusion
in which the above mentioned criticisms are given an evaluation.

The divergent interpretations of Gotthold Ephraim Lessing's play
Philotas are considered in this thesis. A textual analysis
demonstrates that the play is not, as contended by some, a
glorification of patriotism but rather an expression of Lessing's
humane ideals. It is thereby shown that the play, which seems
to have been intended by Lessing as a n experimental drama, deserves
its proper place among his works.

This study examines the major differences that exist among
critical interpretations of Romeo und Julia auf dem Dorfe. Included
is a survey of the creation of the novella, the various revisions
made by Keller, and Keller's own feelings about the work. This
is followed by the thorough discussion of the differences in
interpretation of the structure, the characters, the symbols, the
overall meaning, and the classification of the novella as a tragedy.
Some attempt is made to point out the interpretations that are best
substantiated by the text. The results of the study indicate that
some of the interpretations show a strong influence of the particular
premise of the critic.