Salutations...

[Werther]

As this is my first official post, allow me to introduce myself. I come from a cultural wilderness in the south west Pacific called New Zealand. I do not normally use computers and I am the world's slowest typer - so please bear with me. Last year I finished a diploma in German literature which involved writing a dissertation on the influence of Nietzsche on the early work of Thomas Mann. Prior to that, I did a philosophy degree. My favourite writer is Oscar Wilde to whom I was first introduced by my other great hero, Morrissey (pop-singer). Before the end of this year, I intend to exile myself to Ireland on a working holiday. The last book I read was 'Twilight of Love: Travels With Turgenev' by Australian author, Robert Dessaix. Presently reading Schopenhauer's 'World as Will and Representation' and Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' - works which obviously compliment one another.

[Nightshade]

hello

[bazarov]

Welcome and have fun!

[Werther]

I must say, Fathers & Sons is one of my favourite novels. I can't say that I totally approve of the character of Bazarov, but like Turgenev, I have a deal of sympathy for him. Well chosen name. I like you.

[bazarov]

I must say, Fathers & Sons is one of my favourite novels. I can't say that I totally approve of the character of Bazarov, but like Turgenev, I have a deal of sympathy for him. Well chosen name. I like you.

But Bazarov isn't nihilist...Never mind!

[muhsin]

Hello there! Have a nice staying dear.

[kathycf]

. Before the end of this year, I intend to exile myself to Ireland on a working holiday.

Oh, I'm jealous. Try not to work too much and just enjoy the country. So many interesting things to see there. Whereabouts will you visit?

[Werther]

But Bazarov isn't nihilist...Never mind!

Of course he was a nihilist, in the same sense that Nietzsche condemned Socrates as a nihilist. He dissected frogs and was solely concerned with "clearing the ground".

kathycf, I hope to base myself in Cork to begin with as it was voted the cultural capital of Europe a couple of years ago. Obviously I will visit Dublin and I would like to spend some time on the Aran Islands living amongst the people depicted in the plays of Synge.
(Have you read Playboy of the Western World?)

[kathycf]

kathycf, I hope to base myself in Cork to begin with as it was voted the cultural capital of Europe a couple of years ago. Obviously I will visit Dublin and I would like to spend some time on the Aran Islands living amongst the people depicted in the plays of Synge.
(Have you read Playboy of the Western World?)

Yes, I have read Playboy of the Western World in addition to Riders to the Sea, but it was quite a while ago. I think probably about 15 years. We have a member here who is quite a fan of Synge, her name is Niamh.

Your trip sounds like it will be quite interesting. (and I'm still jealous....)

[bazarov]

Of course he was a nihilist, in the same sense that Nietzsche condemned Socrates as a nihilist. He dissected frogs and was solely concerned with "clearing the ground".

No, he isn't...Read carefully and you'll change your mind.

[barbara0207]

Hi, Werther!
Good name. Did you choose it because you are a lover or a sufferer - or both? Or do you simply love the novel?

[Werther]

Barbara, How good of you to comment on my name (or pseudonym). I was hoping somebody would ask. 'The Sufferings of Young Werther' is really the story of my life - and I fear very much it may also be the story of my death. Not that I have ever really discovered a Lotte. I'm actually quite resigned to solitude and accepted a long time ago that 'love' is something that happens to other people. Have you read 'Tonio Kroger' by Thomas Mann? Though I certainly do not share Tonio's burgerliebe, I identify strongly with that character's outlook. I suppose that means I am more a cynic than a romantic, but we don't really choose these things do we?

[Werther]

No, he isn't...Read carefully and you'll change your mind.

Bazarov, I don't mean to go on about this but why do you dispute that Bazarov is a nihilist? He is by his own admission a nihilist; he proclaims himself a nihilist several times throughout the story. And does this mean that you approve of the character Bazarov? Please answer in full to all of these questions. I am really, really curious. Also, it's great to have discovered somebody who has read Fathers And Sons.

[barbara0207]

So you're a cynic, Werther? Comes from reading too much Schopenhauer and Nietzsche.
But seriously - you seem to be in the same mood Goethe and his contemporaries were at the time he wrote the novel. Goethe - in spite of writing Werther - survived, while many fans of his book did not. They committed suicide just like their idol. Goethe himself was much too rational and realistic for that - and he loved life too much. Additionally he was by no means of the opinion that love was only for other people - he took what he could get, making quite a few women first happy and then unhappy. The good thing about that is that he gave us some of the most beautiful love poems.

I have read Tonio Kroger, but it seems such a long time ago that I hardly remember what it was about. My favourites by Thomas Mann are Buddenbrooks (best novel ever) and Magic Mountain.

By the way, why don't you try Goethe's Wilhelm Meister? In that work he gives his hero the chance to develop and mature without killing him before the poor fellow knows what life can hold in store for him.

[bazarov]

Wrong thread