Goethe's Families of the Heart

Fiction & Literature, Literary Theory & Criticism, Gay & Lesbian, European, German
Cover of the book Goethe's Families of the Heart by Professor Susan E. Gustafson, Bloomsbury Publishing
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Professor Susan E. Gustafson ISBN: 9781501315770
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Publication: June 30, 2016
Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic Language: English
Author: Professor Susan E. Gustafson
ISBN: 9781501315770
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Publication: June 30, 2016
Imprint: Bloomsbury Academic
Language: English

Throughout his literary work Goethe portrays characters who defy and reject 18th and 19th century ideals of aristocratic and civil families, notions of heritage, assumptions about biological connections, expectations about heterosexuality, and legal mandates concerning marriage. The questions Goethe's plays and novels pose are often modern and challenging: Do social conventions, family expectations, and legal mandates matter? Can two men or two women pair together and be parents? How many partners or parents should there be? Two? One? A group? Can parents love children not biologically related to them? Do biological parents always love their children? What is the nature of adoptive parents, children, and families? Ultimately, what is the fundamental essence of love and family?

Gustafson demonstrates that Goethe's conception of the elective affinities is certainly not limited to heterosexual spouses or occasionally to men desiring men. A close analysis of Goethe's explication of affinities throughout his literary production reveals his rejection of loveless relationships (for example, arranged marriages) and his acceptance and promotion of all relationships formed through spontaneous affinities and love (including heterosexual, same-sex, nonexclusive, group, parental, and adoptive).

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Throughout his literary work Goethe portrays characters who defy and reject 18th and 19th century ideals of aristocratic and civil families, notions of heritage, assumptions about biological connections, expectations about heterosexuality, and legal mandates concerning marriage. The questions Goethe's plays and novels pose are often modern and challenging: Do social conventions, family expectations, and legal mandates matter? Can two men or two women pair together and be parents? How many partners or parents should there be? Two? One? A group? Can parents love children not biologically related to them? Do biological parents always love their children? What is the nature of adoptive parents, children, and families? Ultimately, what is the fundamental essence of love and family?

Gustafson demonstrates that Goethe's conception of the elective affinities is certainly not limited to heterosexual spouses or occasionally to men desiring men. A close analysis of Goethe's explication of affinities throughout his literary production reveals his rejection of loveless relationships (for example, arranged marriages) and his acceptance and promotion of all relationships formed through spontaneous affinities and love (including heterosexual, same-sex, nonexclusive, group, parental, and adoptive).

More books from Bloomsbury Publishing

Cover of the book Fizzlebert Stump and the Bearded Boy by Professor Susan E. Gustafson
Cover of the book Fashion in the 1950s by Professor Susan E. Gustafson
Cover of the book The German Army in World War I (2) by Professor Susan E. Gustafson
Cover of the book Baldwin by Professor Susan E. Gustafson
Cover of the book Demonetization by Professor Susan E. Gustafson
Cover of the book Lady Susan Plays the Game by Professor Susan E. Gustafson
Cover of the book From Armed Struggle to Political Struggle by Professor Susan E. Gustafson
Cover of the book Philosophy by Professor Susan E. Gustafson
Cover of the book Shadow Network by Professor Susan E. Gustafson
Cover of the book Franklin's Emporium: The Pet Shop Mystery by Professor Susan E. Gustafson
Cover of the book From Communism to Capitalism by Professor Susan E. Gustafson
Cover of the book Critical Theory and Disability by Professor Susan E. Gustafson
Cover of the book Plato's Philosophy of Science by Professor Susan E. Gustafson
Cover of the book Language in the Media by Professor Susan E. Gustafson
Cover of the book The Horseman by Professor Susan E. Gustafson
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy