Der Hofmeister

Name: Der Hofmeister
Author: Jakob Michael Reinhold Lenz

By Jakob Michael Reinhold Lenz

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German Literature Plays/Films/Dramas

About This Book

A five-act dramatic comedy that follows the troubled employment of a young tutor hired to instruct a privileged boy, exposing tensions between private instruction and social ambition. Scenes juxtapose domestic manners, vanity among patrons, the tutor’s insecurity, and conflicts with household servants. The play satirizes class hypocrisy and the commodification of education while tracing how limited agency and financial pressures shape behavior. It mixes lively comic episodes with darker observations of exploitation and moral contradiction, arranging conversational set pieces and confrontations that build toward a pointed critique of elite private upbringing.

About the Author

Jakob Michael Reinhold Lenz

Jakob Michael Reinhold Lenz was a prominent German playwright and poet of the Sturm und Drang movement, known for his emotional intensity and innovative narrative style. His works often explore themes of individuality and societal constraints, reflecting the tumultuous spirit of his time. Among his notable plays is "Die Soldaten," which critiques the moral decay of society and the impact of war. Lenz's writings, including "Der Hofmeister" and "Der Waldbruder," showcase his ability to blend dramatic elements with philosophical inquiry, contributing significantly to German literature in the late 18th century. His legacy continues to influence modern drama and literary thought.