"Iphigenia on Tauris": humanity
The drama "Iphigenie auf Tauris", written by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe in 1787, reflects the ideal of humanity in German classical music. The classical era was characterized by humanity, harmony and tolerance, which should be in the foreground at this time.
Iphigenia on Tauris - content of the drama
- The goddess Diana spared Iphigenia of death and made her the servant of the temple on Tauris. Iphigenia serves King Thoas there. By instituting it, this departed from the custom of human sacrifice.
- Despite the family relationship with Thoas, Iphigenia often feels lonely. She is homesick. It is also in Thoas' interest to take the young woman as his wife. Since she does not return this interest, the king, out of anger at this disappointment, wants to reintroduce human sacrifice.
- In the desperation of the young Iphigenia, Orestes and Pylades appear on the island. Orestes is their brother and is accompanied by Pylades, who is a close friend of Orestes.
- A moral conflict develops: If Iphigenia leaves the island and thus betrays them Thoas and his servants may return you home, but shame theirs Family. Furthermore, the practice of human sacrifice would continue. Should she deny this lie, Iphigenia would have to stay on the island and dwell without her brother.
- At the end of Goethe's drama, Iphigenia decides in favor of the truth. She follows what her soul commands her. She is allowed to return home, Orestes and Pylades are spared. Because of the truth that she revealed, Thoas is also convinced that she will not continue the human sacrifice.
Introduction to Iphigenia on Tauris - Drama Analysis
The 'Iphigenie auf Tauris' is a work by Johann Wolfgang Goethe. Should you have a ...
The idea of humanity in Goethe's drama
"Iphigenie auf Tauris" reflects the idea of the ideal of humanity from the classical era.
- The fact that Iphigenia listens to what is inside and thereby copes with the difficult situation brings the ideal of humanity closer. As a result, it becomes clear that every person should take their fate into their own hands and should place trust in people, not just in the gods.
- Human sacrifice is abolished through the use of Iphigenia. It is not their ideal to take a person's life by their hand. She is sincere and honest, also when it comes to resolving her conflict. Humanity becomes clear through this action.
- Furthermore, Iphigenia stands as a human and reasonable individual. She shows moral greatness in a crisis and does not always appear as the heroine of the drama. She is human in that she listens to your heart and is always fallible.
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