Anmerkungen übers Theater

Anmerkungen übers Theater, a tract published anonymously in 1774 and at first attributed by some to Goethe. The author was J. M. R. Lenz, and the work is the script of a lecture read in 1772 to the Société de Philosophie et de Belles-Lettres of Strasburg. It is an unsystematic essay which ranges with wit and assurance over the whole history of drama. Lenz recognizes the validity of Aristotle's Poetics for the Greece of his day but does not consider the Stagyrite's views to be binding for a later age. Though he mocks at French interpretations of Aristotle, his own slight criticisms of the philosopher are expressed with respect. Lenz's main thesis is that character should be the basis of tragedy and action the foundation of comedy. Lenz speaks enthusiastically of Shakespeare, praising especially the historical plays. Other English authors who win his approval are Samuel Richardson and Laurence Sterne. Included as an appendix to the lecture is a prose translation of Love's Labour's Lost under the title Amor vincit omnia. The English title is not mentioned. The translation is also anonymous, but, like the tract, it is by Lenz.