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Woyzeck Full Text and Introduction: NHB Drama Classics - A Masterpiece of German Expressionism

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Woyzeck By Georg Büchner Woyzeck: Full Text And (NHB Drama Classics)

Woyzeck: Full Text and Introduction (NHB Drama Classics)

by Georg Büchner

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	156 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	74 pages

Georg Büchner's Woyzeck is a powerful and disturbing play that explores the themes of poverty, exploitation, and violence. This full text edition includes an by John Fuegi, which provides a comprehensive overview of the play's historical context, critical reception, and enduring legacy.

Historical Context

Woyzeck was written in 1836, during a period of great social and political upheaval in Europe. The Industrial Revolution was transforming the landscape of Germany, and the gap between the rich and the poor was growing wider. At the same time, the country was experiencing a wave of political repression, as the government cracked down on dissent and revolutionary activity.

Büchner was a radical writer and political activist who was deeply affected by the social and political conditions of his time. Woyzeck is a reflection of Büchner's own experiences and observations, and it offers a scathing critique of the poverty and exploitation that were rampant in German society.

Critical Reception

Woyzeck was not published until after Büchner's death in 1837, and it was not until the early 20th century that it began to receive critical acclaim. The play was initially praised for its realism and its powerful portrayal of working-class life. However, it was not until the 1920s that Woyzeck was recognized as a masterpiece of German expressionism.

Expressionism was a movement in art and literature that emerged in Germany in the early 20th century. Expressionist works are characterized by their use of distorted forms, exaggerated colors, and emotional intensity. Woyzeck is a prime example of an expressionist play, and it uses these techniques to create a powerful and disturbing vision of the world.

Enduring Legacy

Woyzeck is now considered one of the greatest plays of the 19th century. It has been translated into dozens of languages and has been performed all over the world. The play has also been adapted into several operas, films, and television productions.

Woyzeck's enduring legacy is due to its powerful and timeless themes. The play explores the universal human experiences of poverty, exploitation, and violence. It is a reminder that these problems are not unique to any one time or place, and that they continue to plague our world today.

Full Text

The full text of Woyzeck is available below. The play is divided into 25 scenes, and each scene is followed by a brief summary.

Scene 1

Woyzeck and Marie are in their room. Woyzeck is shaving, and Marie is combing her hair. Woyzeck is worried about Marie's fidelity, and he accuses her of cheating on him with the Drum Major.

Scene 2

Woyzeck is at the barracks. He is talking to his fellow soldiers, and he tells them about his worries about Marie.

Scene 3

Woyzeck is at the doctor's office. The doctor tells Woyzeck that he has a fever, and he warns him that he is in danger of going mad.

Scene 4

Woyzeck is at the grocery store. He buys a knife, and he hides it in his pocket.

Scene 5

Woyzeck is at home. He finds Marie and the Drum Major together. He is enraged, and he kills Marie with the knife.

Scene 6

Woyzeck is on the run. He is pursued by the police, and he is eventually captured.

Scene 7

Woyzeck is in prison. He is awaiting trial. He is visited by the doctor, who tells him that he is going to die.

Scene 8

Woyzeck is executed. He dies a violent and bloody death.

Woyzeck is a powerful and disturbing play that explores the themes of poverty, exploitation, and violence. It is a masterpiece of German expressionism, and it

Woyzeck: Full Text and Introduction (NHB Drama Classics)

by Georg Büchner

4.3 out of 5