The Sense Poem

Gottfried Keller

Newcomb Livraria Press

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A new 2023 translation of Gottfried Keller's famous The Sense Poem (original german title Das Sinngedicht) followed by an Afterword by the translator, a timeline of his life and works and an index of his works. The Sense Poem ("Das Sinngedicht" in German) is a novella cycle authored by Swiss poet Gottfried Keller. Its inception commenced in Berlin around 1851 when Keller conceived initial ideas, followed by the composition of introductory chapters in 1855. The major portion of the text, however, was crafted in Zurich during 1881, concomitant with its serialization in the "Deutsche Rundschau." The Sense Poem garnered substantial acclaim among contemporary readers and literary critics, becoming a pinnacle of his literary career. Keller's innovative structuring, including chapter titles reminiscent of Cervantes' "Don Quijote," imbues the work with a playful-ironic ambiance. The male protagonist's perspective shapes the framing narrative, analogous to Cervantes' Don Quijote, contributing to the novella cycle's narrative charm. Its initial success was underscored by successive editions, with reviewers likening the work's stature to that of Boccaccio's "Decameron." Boccaccio' was a major artistic influence at the time- Herman Hesse wrote a Pathographic essay on him and his influence in Germany. The cycle derives its name from an epigram, or "Sinngedicht," by Baroque poet Friedrich von Logau. The epigram reads "How will you turn white lilies into red roses? / Kiss a white galathee: she will laugh blushing!" and alludes to Galateia, the embodiment of female beauty's dual nature—provocative allure and tempering influence. Logau's composition serves as a poetic discourse on gallant advice. The cycle's seven novellas are entwined within a framing narrative—a love story set in the romantic environs of a 19th-century German university town. The protagonist, Herr Reinhart, a young naturalist, engages in a spirited exchange with Lucie, a hostess of wit and beauty. Through the exchange of Logau's epigram, they embark on a discussion revolving around the equality of genders in fostering successful marriages, evoking tales exemplifying diverse love choices. The narrative culminates in Reinhart and Lucie's burgeoning affection.

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One of Nietzsche's favorite living poets (the only real Swiss poet in his opinion, Keller was a major Swiss poet and writer, Keller is best known for his novel "Green Henry" (German: "Der grüne Heinrich"). His work is representative of the Realist movement, which sought to depict life and society as they were. Keller's stories often reflect the conflict between individual creative drives and the constraints of society. His novel "The People of Seldwyla" was one of Nietzsche's favorite.