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Erdgeist (Earth-Spirit) - A Tragedy in Four Acts - cover

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Erdgeist (Earth-Spirit) - A Tragedy in Four Acts

Frank Wedekind

Translator Samuel A. Eliot

Publisher: DigiCat

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Summary

Frank Wedekind's 'Erdgeist' (Earth-Spirit) delivers a profound commentary on the shifting paradigms of sexuality and societal norms at the turn of the 20th century. Heralding expressionism, Wedekind's play stands out for its daring, non-conformist portrayal of its protagonist, Lulu, and its libertine exploration of human desires and existential despair. The literary style is underlined by its raw themes and the employment of a metaphoric 'Animal Tamer' to introduce characters, evoking a sense of predestined tragedy and the primal forces shaping human destiny. Embedded deeply within the German theatrical tradition, this work transcends its immediate context to offer universal insight into the human condition.
Frank Wedekind, as an author and dramatist, brilliantly encapsulates the social and sexual tumult of his era. A contributor to the avant-garde, he leveraged his acerbic wit and intimate awareness of the social strata to craft 'Erdgeist'. Drawing perhaps on his own tumultuous relationship with social mores and authority, Wedekind's writing exemplifies the struggle between the individual's raw essence and the veneer of civilization, with Lulu as the epitome of this conflict. His works are often seen as precursory critiques of bourgeois society and its hypocrisy, which makes 'Erdgeist' a bold statement within his oeuvre.
Recommended for connoisseurs of early modernist literature, 'Erdgeist' is an unflinching journey through the complex interplay of power, sexuality, and identity. The play's rich, interpretative nature makes it essential reading for scholars and students of dramatic arts and German literature, as well as those interested in the roots of feminist theory in drama. Readers will find in Wedekind's masterpiece a compelling and evocative work that continues to resonate with contemporary questions of freedom and societal constraint.
Available since: 08/10/2022.
Print length: 54 pages.

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