The Birth of Tragedy

Overview

'Yes, what is Dionysian? - This book provides an answer - "a man who knows" speaks in it, the initiate and disciple of his god.' The Birth of Tragedy (1872) is a book about the origins of Greek tragedy and its relevance to the German culture of its time. For Nietzsche, Greek tragedy is the expression of a culture which has achieved a delicate but powerful balance between Dionysian insight into the chaos and suffering which underlies all existence and the discipline and clarity of rational Apollonian form. In order to promote a return to these values, Nietzsche undertakes a critique of the complacent rationalism of late nineteenth-century German culture and makes an impassioned plea for the regenerative potential of the music of Wagner. In its wide-ranging discussion of the nature of art, science and religion, Nietzsche's argument raises important questions about the problematic nature of cultural origins which are still of concern today.

Details

Publisher

Oxford University Press

Published

2000

Pages

173

Language

EN

Categories

Literary Criticism / Semiotics & Theory, Literary Criticism / Drama, Music / Instruction & Study / Theory, Music / Philosophy & Social Aspects, Philosophy / General, Philosophy / Aesthetics, Philosophy / Ethics & Moral Philosophy

ISBN-13

9780192832924