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Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900). Born October 15, 1844 1849 father dies 1864 goes to Bonn University to study theology and philology (classics and ancient languages) 1865 transfers to Leipzig University to study philology. Richard Wagner (1813-1883). Met in 1868
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Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900) • Born October 15, 1844 • 1849 father dies • 1864 goes to Bonn University to study theology and philology (classics and ancient languages) • 1865 transfers to Leipzig University to study philology
Richard Wagner (1813-1883) • Met in 1868 • Became a father figure for Nietzsche • Nietzsche saw him as the reincarnation of Greek tragedy • Broke with Wagner due to anti-Semitism and Parsifal
The Birth of Tragedy 1872 • First book • Originally dedicated to Wagner; removed in the 2nd edition • philosophical justification for the work Wagner was carrying out in his operas. • Focused on Greek theater (especially drama) and music • Distinguished between Apollonian and Dionysian lives—sought a reconciliation of them • Conflict between Appolonian and Dionysian lead to the great age of Greek Tragedy
Appolonian-Dionysian forces (Triebe) Artistic creation depends on a tension between two opposing forces, which Nietzsche terms the “Apollonian” and the “Dionysian.”
The Apollonian • Apollo was charioteer of the sun (hence truth and life) • Represents life as a problem that must be solved through reason and principle
The Dionysian • Dionysus (or Bacchus) was god of wine • Represents passion and the overcoming of pessimism through celebration
Duality-Dichotomy (Zwiespalt) Appolonian: reason Dionysian: emotion • reason, order, control, individuality, and sober thought • seeks to bring philosophic order to the universe • represents visual arts • mysticism, emotion, chaos, "world harmony," and "collective unity” • represents music
Both the Apollonian and the Dionysian are necessary in the creation of art. Without the Apollonian, the Dionysian lacks the form and structure to make a coherent piece of art, and without the Dionysian, the Apollonian lacks the necessary vitality and passion. Although they are diametrically opposed, they are also intimately intertwined.
Tendencies in Human Personality Appolonian Dionysian • Reason • Order • Clarity • Moderation • Control • Analysis • Research • Rule-Oriented • Passion • Spontaneity • Imagination • Excess • Frenzy • Intuition • Feeling • Faith & Ritual