Main Article Content

Abstract

     Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe, one of the most influential thinkers of the literary world, considered writing as a means to personal contemplation; a writer writes desirous to know his own internal cravings and emotions. From this process arose his Wilhelm Meisters Lejhare (Wilhelm Meister’s Apprenticeship) (1796), in which the title character, disillusioned by life and love, seeks a different standard and becomes an artist and a playwright. This novel, which traces the trajectory of the life of an artist, became the prototype from which the tenets of modern Kunstlerroman are drawn. Works of Kunstlerroman generally reflect the moral battle of writers questioning their appropriate standing as objective artists. In a standard work of the form, the protagonist begins in a state of confinement, often in childhood restricted in their horizons either by the limitations of their home life or the interference of the people around them. Through force of will, they escape to another location, one far-removed from their origins and more hospitable to their dreams and desired vocation (a Kunstlerroman can be about any type of artist, such as a writer, dancer, painter or blues musician), though there are still crises of confidence and struggles to succeed. During the course of their journey, they derive inspiration and direction from innumerable sources, though often these teachers exist in the shape of two counteracting forces—one that nurtures their artistic career, and one that acts as an obstacle to their inevitable triumph. Ultimately, they reach a standard of success, sometimes at a cost to their own personal well being, either morally or physically.

Article Details