Virgins, Bastards and Saviours of the Nation: Reflections on Schiller's Historical Dramas

Author: Lamport Francis  

Publisher: Rodopi

ISSN: 0304-6257

Source: Amsterdamer Beiträge zur neueren Germanistik, Vol.61, Iss.1, 2006-04, pp. : 159-177

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Abstract

The topic of national liberation or regeneration is present in all the historical dramas of Schiller's maturity. Interest is concentrated on figures who assume or believe themselves, legitimately or otherwise, to be entrusted with this national mission – Wallenstein, the two queens in Maria Stuart, Johanna in Die Jungfrau von Orleans, Wilhelm Tell, Demetrius. In all cases, the assumption of this mission involves some loss of innocence or personal integrity. Related themes are also present in Die Braut von Messina, though here more than elsewhere they appear to be subordinate to a purely aesthetic design.