Poem Analysis - Roman Elegies II

Introduction: A Poet's Burden and Liberation

Goethe's "Roman Elegies II" is a poem of escape and rebirth. It begins with a weary acknowledgement of the inescapable shadow of his earlier success, specifically his novel *The Sorrows of Young Werther*, before transitioning into a tone of relief and newfound freedom. The poem expresses a desire to shed the constraints of his literary past and embrace a present defined by a new love and a fresh identity. This shift is underscored by the poem's movement from self-pity to a celebration of anonymity and personal reinvention.

The Weight of Literary Success

The first two stanzas reveal Goethe's weariness with the enduring impact of *Werther*. He expresses a deep frustration with being perpetually associated with the novel, lamenting how it "showed my youthful sufferings to everyone!" The poem highlights the burden of having one's personal experiences so intimately linked to a fictional character. The hyperbolic comparison of Werther to a vengeful ghost underscores the profound impact this connection has had on Goethe's life, suggesting a haunting by his own creation.

Escape from the Past: Anonymity and New Beginnings

One of the central themes of the poem is the desire for escape and reinvention. This theme is introduced with the allusion to "Malbrouk" (Marlborough), a popular folk song about a soldier whose death is endlessly reported, symbolizing the relentless and inescapable nature of fame. Goethe contrasts this with his present reality, where his new lover is blissfully unaware of his literary past: "Luckily I’ve escaped! She’s barely heard of Lotte / Or Werther, or knows the name of this man of hers." This ignorance, rather than being a cause for concern, is a source of liberation. It allows Goethe to be seen as a "free, and vigorous stranger," unburdened by the expectations and judgments associated with his literary persona.

The Image of the "Vigorous Stranger"

The image of the "free, and vigorous stranger" living in a "wooden house" among "mountains and snow" is a powerful symbol of Goethe's desired state. It represents a return to nature, simplicity, and authenticity. This is in stark contrast to the artificiality and scrutiny of the literary world he is attempting to leave behind. The "wooden house" can be interpreted as a metaphor for a life built on solid, genuine foundations, while the "mountains and snow" symbolize the purity and challenge of a new beginning. Is this a literal escape, or a psychological one? The poem leaves the reader to ponder the nature of this transformation.

Conclusion: A Poet's Reinvention

"Roman Elegies II" is a powerful exploration of the tension between artistic creation and personal identity. Goethe uses the poem to express his frustration with being defined by his past success, while simultaneously celebrating the possibility of reinvention. The poem's significance lies in its portrayal of a poet seeking to escape the limitations of his own creation and embrace a new chapter in his life, defined by love, anonymity, and a connection to nature. Ultimately, it is a testament to the enduring human desire for freedom and the ability to redefine oneself.