“Sturm und Drang” [Storm and Stress] is the name of a fairly brief (approximately 1767-1786) but highly productive period in German literature situated between the literary manifestations of the Enlightenment and Weimar Classicism. This period is also called Geniezeit [the era of “universal”, “original” or “powerful” genius]. The established English translation “Storm and Stress” is not entirely felicitous: “passion and energy” or “energy and rebellion” would be more appropriate. Sturm und Drang derives its name from a drama by Friedrich Maximilian Klinger (1752-1831) originally titled Wirrwarr [Chaos] and re-named Sturm und Dran

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