ABSTRACT

Many scholars have analyzed the so-called typical Romantic artist, and have characterized him as overly sensitive and suffering from his surroundings. Since Romantic authors were increasingly interested in the unconscious and its influence on the human mind and soul, there is some justification for applying psychoanalysis and Freud's theory to Romantic art. According to Wilhelm Heinrich Wackenroder, God presents himself in two languages: nature and art. Wackenroder's proclaimed paradise on earth can best be found in music, which he deems superior to all other forms of art. Although Joseph Berglinger perceives the divine origins of art, he still wants to misuse art to serve his own egoistic interests—to express his own feelings and to be acclaimed by his audience. The science which Berglinger's father engages in is medicine. Wackenroder uses the older version of the word, Arzneygelehrsamkeit, which stresses the studying of pharmaceutical herbs, and alludes to the use of poisonous plants or even witchcraft.