Goethe Quote by Guy Davenport
““Sometimes when reading Goethe I have a paralyzing suspicion that he is trying to be funny.””
About This Quote
Reading Goethe can feel oddly humorous, suggesting that serious literature may contain hidden wit.
In simple terms: Goethe may seem funny at times.
Key Takeaway
Look for humor in serious works.
Themes
literature
humor
interpretation
paradox
Mood
thoughtful
curious
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- studying classics
- literary analysis
- personal reading
Key Concepts
subtext
irony
Questions to Reflect On
- Why might a serious author appear funny?
- How does humor change your perception of a text?
A Different Perspective
Humor may be subjective.
