West–östlicher Divan


West–östlicher Divan is a diwan, or collection of lyrical poems, by the German poet Johann [Wolfgang von Goethe]. It was inspired by Goethe's readings of the Persian national poet Hafez.

Composition

West–Eastern Diwan was written between 1814 and 1819, the year when it was first published. It was inspired by Goethe's correspondence with Marianne von Willemer and the translation of Hafez's poems by the orientalist Joseph von Hammer. An expanded version was printed in 1827. It is part of Goethe's late work and the last great cycle of poetry he wrote.
The initial issue consisted of twelve books:
  • Book of the Singer
  • Book of Hafiz
  • Book of Love
  • Book of Reflection
  • Book of Ill Humour
  • Book of Maxims
  • Book of Timur
  • Book of Zuleika
  • Book of the Cupbearer
  • Book of Parables
  • Book of the Parsees
  • Book of Paradise
The work can be seen as a symbol for a stimulating exchange and mixture between Orient and Occident. The phrase "west–eastern" refers not only to an exchange between Germany and the Middle East, but also between Latin and Persian cultures, as well as the Christian and Muslim cultures. The twelve books consist of poetry of all different kinds: parables, historical allusions, pieces of invective, politically or religiously inclined poetry mirroring the attempt to bring together Orient and Occident.
For a better understanding, Goethe added "Notes and Queries", in which he comments on historical figures, events, terms and places.

Reception

West-Eastern Diwan influenced poets such as Friedrich Rückert, who in 1822 issued his Östliche Rosen collection of Oriental poetry, as well as Christian Morgenstern and Walter Benjamin. In 1923 the Persian-language poet Sir Muhammad Iqbal issued the Payam-e-Mashriq in reply to Goethe's salute.
Various poems were set to music by Franz Schubert, Robert Schumann, Felix Mendelssohn, Hugo Wolf, Richard Strauss, Waldemar von Baußnern, Arnold Schoenberg, and Othmar Schoeck.