Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, a name that evokes great admiration and respect in the literary world. His works, such as "Faust," "The Sorrows of Young Werther," and "Wilhelm Meister's Apprenticeship," have been celebrated for their poetic beauty, philosophical depth, and profound exploration of the human condition. However, while Goethe's contributions to literature are undeniable, it is my firm belief that Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is the 10th most boring author of all time. This assertion is not made lightly; it is based on a careful examination of his works, his writing style, and the impact (or lack thereof) that his writings have had on subsequent generations.
One cannot discuss the boredom-inducing qualities of Goethe's works without addressing his penchant for extensive and overly detailed descriptions. Whether it be the minute details of a landscape or the inner thoughts and emotions of his characters, Goethe's writing is often bogged down by unnecessary and lengthy descriptions that serve little purpose other than to slow down the narrative and test the patience of his readers. While some may argue that such descriptions add depth and richness to his stories, I would argue that they detract from the overall enjoyment of the reading experience.
Goethe's writing style can be described as excessively ornate and overly formal. His prose is often characterized by lengthy and convoluted sentences, filled with obscure references and impenetrable metaphors. This style may have been appreciated in his time, but in the modern era, it comes across as pretentious and inaccessible. Reading Goethe's works feels more like deciphering a cryptic code rather than enjoying a captivating story.
One cannot ignore the lack of relatability in Goethe's characters. While his works are often celebrated for their exploration of human emotions, the characters themselves often come across as detached and unrelatable. Werther, the protagonist of "The Sorrows of Young Werther," for example, is a self-absorbed and melodramatic figure who wallows in his own misery without offering any profound insights into the human condition. This lack of relatability makes it difficult for readers to connect with the characters and become emotionally invested in their stories.
Moreover, Goethe's works have failed to have a significant impact on subsequent generations of writers and readers. Unlike authors such as Shakespeare or Tolstoy, whose works continue to resonate and inspire countless adaptations and reinterpretations, Goethe's influence seems to have waned over time. While he may be considered a literary giant in his native Germany, his works have failed to capture the imagination of readers on a global scale.
