The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-03-08
THE MODERN ERA.
NC Last OF the University Extension Lee
lures at the College


on the History OF German Literature
was delivered by Professor Fred. w
Doat"risht in the chapel at Richmond
Coliege last evening
The appreciation OF the people for the
lecturer and his theme was attested by
.he attentive audience. These lectures
nave been meritoriously popular, and they
nave given both entertainment and in
sTuction 20 all who have attended.
Ihere are many interesting facts his
torically associated with the literature OF
the Germans. These facts have been sur
rveyed and presented in the University
Extension Course Of lectures. The lite
nature Of most nations is an appreciable
nucleus around which clusters so much to
charm and edify those who seek to ex-
plore its realm
Some, indeed. have said nations most
enduring monument is erected in the field
OF its literary ascendency.
The literature OF the Germans is a
theme OF rich and abiding interest. There
Is enough Of the romantic TO make II
enchanting, and enough OF the mythical
to render It impressive. And so II
stands upon an exalted pinnacle upon q
sure pedestal. where some OF the worlds
most distinguished scholars have placed
II.
tive glimpse into the literary realm where
in Germany scholars have erected their
imperishabIe memorial. They have pre-
scented TO the mental eye such scholarly
men as Leasing. Luther. Goethe, Schiller
and Heine, men whose names and works
will abide
The subject last night was "Heine and
the Modern Era" Harry Heine was
OF Jewish descent and born I'm Dussel-
no az 81
ton Of his parents. who were intelligent
and educated people, was contrasted and
discussed The devotion Of Heine TO his
parents is noteworthy. his unchanging
and enduring love for his mother Is one
Of the greatest mementOes Of his life
How many who have succeeded amid
the vicisstudes OF life and In the mas
terry OF adversely owe their success 10
a noble motherl Heine TO his dying dag
loved and honored his mother and one
Of his best poems was inspired by her.
The terrible anguish Of his last days
he judciously kept from her knowledge,
that he might spare her pain.
His early years were spent in business
with his uncle in Hamburg, and with
varying fortunes at the universities or
Bonn. GOttingen and Berlin. After
considerable time spent there he won MS
degree But he first joined the Lutheran
NHAi'lt All at NlllAH iiH A''''''' $3.50
relatives severely censured and never
forgave Heine. upon reflection. appears
to have had lasting regret for the act,
which, however. was necessary 10 OBJ
tain his degree. But the field OF litera-
ture rather than law was the one In
which he was to figure.
About this time Heine went TO the
shores OF the North Sea. where he. I'M
der the inspiration Of the sounding sea,
IL. - Il
one OF his works executed there was
OF dangerous and atheistic character.
1t was shortly afterwards interdicted.
Heine then went to London, but, as he
hated everything English. he did rot
l!nger there lcrg. He went next to Mu-
mich. thence through Italy To Berlin.
Upon the advice of his friends. he went
in 1881 to Paris. and shortly became
Partisan OF the Parisians. His first love
was very romantic and strange. and his
second affair OF the heart was no less en-
crossing. But he married neither OF his
earliest charmers. He was married about
the age OF forty to a beautiful girl Of
Paris. whose name was Matilda Mirat.
This union seems to have been mutually
happy. When he went to Paris he car
ried numerous letters Of Introduction to
most all the literary and political cele-
brities of the fashionable metropolis
This, OF course. established him with the
be At people Among Heine's notable works
are his History Of Religion and Phi
Osophy I'm Germany" and History OF the
Romantic School" His great power was
as a satirist. Some Of his works are
pre-eminent for their satirical character
stics. Heine had his enemies and his
critics. He has been much censured, as,
indeed, have most men who have at
tained his celebrity. His last years were
spent in great philosophical anguish. He
was a great sufferer. but his satire. wit
and wisdom characterized his speech until
death His influence as a man of letters
viii live. This glimpse into the checkered
career Of the great German satirist was
very interesting and suggestive. These
gldnces teach us important
lessons. The lumnaries in the galaxy
II an eventful post shed athwart our
"A light which must make upon
)ur minds an impression Tor good. In
conclusion Professor Boatwright thanked
MS hearers for their constant and respect
'ul attention. intimatng that other lee
uras Of interest are soon 10 follow. SO
,nded a most delightful course Of lectures,
me whose panoramic presentation will
lbide TO cheer and enlighten our minds.