Reineke Fox

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Jan 1890 · Newcomb Livraria Press

About this ebook

"Reineke Fox is a brilliant allegorical epic that exposes the follies and vices of society with wit and satire." - Heinrich Heine A new 2023 translation into modern American English of Goethe's 1794 "Reineke Fuchs". This edition contains an Afterword by the Translator, a Timeline of Goethe’s Life & Works and a Glossary of Philosophic Terminology used by Goethe. "Reineke Fox" is an epic poem written by Goethe, inspired by the medieval fable of Reynard the Fox. The poem employs anthropomorphic animal characters to satirize human society and its flaws. Through the cunning and deceptive actions of Reineke, the fox protagonist, Goethe exposes the greed, hypocrisy, and moral corruption prevalent in society. The poem combines elements of humor, satire, and social commentary to deliver its allegorical messages. "Reineke Fox" showcases Goethe's mastery of poetic form and his ability to address societal issues through imaginative storytelling. Heinrich Heine's praise highlights the poem's brilliance as a work of satire and its effectiveness in critiquing human foibles and societal shortcomings.

About the author

One of the core writers of German Romanticism, Goethe was German poet, playwright, novelist, scientist, statesman, theatre director, and critic, Goethe is considered the greatest German literary figure of the modern era, next to his friend Schiller. His works, including "Faust," "The Sorrows of Young Werther," and "Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship," have influenced various literary movements. NApolean, whom Goethe met, loved his novel "The Sorrows of Young Werther". Goethe also knew Hegel and Feuerbach personally. Goethe's ideas on color theory and plant morphology also contributed to the development of various scientific fields.