In the landscape of ancient Greek poetry, few figures present as fascinating a paradox as Theognis of Megara. A poet whose verses have endured for over two and a half millennia, yet whose life remains shrouded in uncertainty and scholarly debate. The collection of elegiac poetry attributed to him—comprising approximately 1,400 lines—represents one of the most substantial surviving bodies of archaic Greek elegiac vers…
“The best of all things for earthly men is not to be born and not to see the beams of the bright sun; but if born, then as quickly as possible to pass the gates of Hades.”
Neighbourhood:
Ancient & Classical Poets, Classical & Ancient Poets, Greek Poets, Love Poets, Political Poets, Social Justice Poets
Emotional landscape: Sorrow, Despair, Longing
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, born 28 August 1749 in Frankfurt am Main and dead 22 March 1832 in Weimar, became during his own lifetime a European institution: poet, dramatist, novelist, critic, civil servant, theater director, scientific investigator, memoirist, and theorist of culture. To call him Germany’s greatest writer is conventional but not empty praise. Goethe helped give the German language a literary authori…
“One must have something to say if one wishes to speak.”
Neighbourhood:
Dramatic Poets, German Romantics, Mystical & Spiritual Poets, Romantic Poets
Emotional landscape: Longing, Spirituality, Sorrow
