Despite two centuries of intensive literary research on Gottfried′s `Tristan′, the poem has remained one of the most discussed and controversial works of medieval literature. The poem has seen many researchers struggle with interpretations and many of the questions researchers came up with in the past proved to be hardly answerable. Especially the prologue to Tristan has remained very difficult to decipher. What was Gottfried trying to convey, when he addressed his poem to the world of the `edelen herzen′ only? What was Gottfried′s idea of an ideal life? And finally, in what way does the conception of his poem coincide with Aristotle′s idea of catharsis? A closer look at the second part of the prologue (vv 45-244) and the literary discourse about it will hopefully throw some light on these questions, or, at least, provide the reader with some useful ideas about Gottfried′s famous love poem.
Indeed, to split the prologue into two parts, which (unfortunately?) was to be the starting point of my essay, is a very delicate matter. Considering formal aspects of the text, it seems justifiable to split the prologue into two parts as follows: a part one which consists of the first 44 lines written in four-line rhyming stanzas, and a part two which introduces a new pattern of rhymed couplets, beginning line 45. This way of splitting up the prologue has been the preferred one in the past, though some critics now regard it as out-dated and not very helpful.
Dietz1 believes that the prologue has to be seen as a whole and therefore tends to prefer Schöne′s2 suggestion to divide the prologue according to certain keywords, or, as he puts it `Hauptthemen′, which seem to represent the central idea of each of his suggested parts. The `Hauptthemen′ Schöne names are `guot′ (vv 1-40), `werlt′ (vv 41-76), `muoze′ (vv 77-96), `sene′ (vv 97-130), `liebe′ (vv 174-221) and `leben′ and `tot′ (vv 222-244). Schöne chooses these key words according to their frequency of occurrence in the text. In all cases the stated keyword is the word which appears most frequently in the respective part and therefore depicts the central idea of it. Schöne′s analysis of the prologue based on his suggested `Hauptthemen′ is an interesting approach to do justice to the complexity of the prologue. In some respect, however, his choice of the different `Hauptthemen′ may be questionable.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- The Prologue
- Gottfried's "werlt" and the "edele herze"
- Schöne's "Hauptthemen"
- Gottfried's "werlt": A Special World
- The "Edelen Herzen"
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This essay aims to analyze the prologue of Gottfried von Strassburg's Tristan, focusing on Gottfried's intended audience ("edelen herzen") and his concept of an ideal life. It examines the relationship between the prologue and Aristotle's idea of catharsis. The analysis will center on the second part of the prologue (lines 45-244).
- Gottfried's intended audience ("edelen herzen")
- Gottfried's conception of an ideal life
- The meaning of "werlt" in the prologue
- The relationship between joy and sorrow in Gottfried's worldview
- The evolving meaning of "edel" in the Middle Ages
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The Prologue: This essay delves into the complexities of Gottfried von Strassburg's Tristan prologue, specifically focusing on the second part (lines 45-244). The author questions Gottfried's intention in addressing his poem to the "edelen herzen," explores Gottfried's vision of an ideal life, and examines the connection between his poetic conception and Aristotle's concept of catharsis. The prologue's structure, particularly the division into two parts based on rhyming patterns, is discussed, acknowledging differing critical perspectives. The analysis probes Gottfried's use of key words and themes to unveil the deeper meaning within the text.
Gottfried's "werlt" and the "edele herze": This section analyzes Gottfried's concept of "werlt," initially presented as a general idea of benefiting the world, and its evolution into a more specific community of individuals. The author contrasts the "ordinary werlt" with Gottfried's chosen "werlt," which embraces both joy and sorrow, viewing the experience of sorrow as essential for achieving profound joy. This concept establishes the criteria for membership in Gottfried's ideal community.
Schöne's "Hauptthemen": This section critically examines Schöne's division of the prologue based on "Hauptthemen" (main themes). It challenges Schöne's selection of "werlt" as the primary theme over "leben" for lines 41-76, arguing that both themes hold equal importance within that passage. The subjectivity inherent in such thematic divisions is highlighted, paving the way for a closer textual examination.
Gottfried's "werlt": A Special World: This section expands on the nature of Gottfried's "werlt," emphasizing that it is comprised of individuals who bravely confront pain and sorrow, finding a certain fulfillment within their suffering. Gottfried contrasts this "werlt" with a superficial world that only seeks pleasure, indicating a preference for depth of experience over shallow happiness. This section explores Gottfried's idea that profound joy is inextricably linked to the experience of sorrow.
The "Edelen Herzen": This section delves into the multifaceted interpretations of "edelen herzen" (noble hearts). It examines the historical evolution of the word "edel," tracing its shift from solely denoting noble birth to encompassing the concept of a noble mind and heart. The author presents contrasting scholarly interpretations, including Vogt's argument for a broadened meaning of "edel" and Sayce's counter-argument, emphasizing that Gottfried used the term primarily to indicate noble lineage. The discussion culminates in a consideration of Kunzer's view that the "edelen herzen" should not be interpreted too literally but rather as a conventional literary device.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Gottfried von Strassburg, Tristan, Prologue, "edelen herzen," "werlt," ideal life, joy, sorrow, catharsis, medieval literature, literary interpretation, "edel," noble heart, Hauptthemen.
Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Gottfried von Strassburg's Tristan Prologue
What is the main focus of this analysis?
This analysis focuses on the prologue of Gottfried von Strassburg's Tristan, specifically lines 45-244. It examines Gottfried's intended audience ("edelen herzen" - noble hearts), his concept of an ideal life, and the relationship between his poetic vision and Aristotle's concept of catharsis.
Who is the intended audience according to the analysis?
The analysis explores Gottfried's intended audience, the "edelen herzen" (noble hearts). It investigates whether this refers solely to individuals of noble birth or encompasses a broader meaning of possessing a noble mind and heart, considering various scholarly interpretations.
What is Gottfried's concept of an ideal life as portrayed in the prologue?
Gottfried's concept of an ideal life, as presented in the prologue, involves embracing both joy and sorrow. The analysis suggests that experiencing sorrow is crucial for achieving profound joy, and this forms the basis for membership in Gottfried's ideal community ("werlt").
What is the significance of the term "werlt" in the prologue?
The term "werlt" (world) initially represents a general concept of benefiting the world but evolves into a more specific community of individuals who confront pain and sorrow. Gottfried contrasts this "werlt" with a superficial world that only seeks pleasure, emphasizing the value of depth over shallow happiness.
How does the analysis address Schöne's interpretation of the prologue's main themes ("Hauptthemen")?
The analysis critically examines Schöne's division of the prologue's main themes. It challenges Schöne's prioritization of "werlt" over "leben" (life) in a specific passage, arguing that both hold equal importance. This highlights the subjectivity inherent in such thematic divisions.
What is the role of catharsis in Gottfried's prologue?
The analysis explores the connection between Gottfried's poetic conception and Aristotle's concept of catharsis. It examines how the experience of sorrow and its subsequent resolution might contribute to a cathartic effect for the reader.
What are the key chapters covered in this analysis?
The analysis covers the following chapters: The Prologue; Gottfried's "werlt" and the "edele herze"; Schöne's "Hauptthemen"; Gottfried's "werlt": A Special World; and The "Edelen Herzen". Each chapter delves into specific aspects of the prologue's meaning and interpretation.
What are the key words and themes explored in the analysis?
Key words and themes include: Gottfried von Strassburg, Tristan, Prologue, "edelen herzen," "werlt," ideal life, joy, sorrow, catharsis, medieval literature, literary interpretation, "edel," noble heart, and "Hauptthemen".
What is the overall methodology of the analysis?
The analysis employs a close reading of the text, considering various scholarly interpretations and challenging existing viewpoints. It uses a thematic approach, focusing on key concepts to understand the deeper meaning within Gottfried's prologue.
What is the significance of the structure of the prologue?
The analysis discusses the structure of the prologue, particularly its division into two parts based on rhyming patterns, acknowledging differing critical perspectives on its significance.
- Quote paper
- Martin Stepanek (Author), 1999, Gottfried von Strassburg: Tristan - The Prologue or In Search of Gottfried's werlt of the edele herze, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/9616
