The evolution of the idea of the “beautiful soul” in Friedrich Schiller’s dramas

The article examines the evolution of the views of the German poet and playwright Friedrich Schiller on the concept of a "beautiful soul" as a harmonious combination of mind (form) and sensuality (matter). The idea of this evolution is formed on the basis of the poet's artistic works. The main objects of research are six of Schiller's dramas ("The Robbers", "The Fiesco Conspiracy in Genoa", "Don Carlos, Infante of Spain", "Mary Stuart", "The Maid of Orleans" and "William Tell"), which most vividly depict the poet's attempts to resolve the conflict between form and matter. A number of Schiller's theoretical works are considered as additional sources: on physiology, history and aesthetics. In turn, additional sources allow us to form an idea of the socio-political significance that Schiller attached to his vision of a "beautiful soul." The research is based on the following methods: descriptive, comparative and biographical methods of analyzing works of art. The author of the article proceeds from the premise that the poet, who began under the strong influence of the literary movement "Storm and Onslaught", quickly became disillusioned with Sturmer's individualist hero, whose goal was to maximize his own potential, albeit to the detriment of society. At the same time, it is noted that Schiller did not have confidence in the state and its laws, which seek to simplify the diversity of life by subordinating it to ideal forms. It is concluded that the existence of a "beautiful soul" acting at will and not limited by the law is possible only in a society in which the state has disappeared as an independent institution, merging with the people; in which there is no class stratification and a gap between ordinary citizens and rulers. The contribution of the author of the article is to develop the idea of Schiller as a kind of "ideologue" of a stateless society. The results obtained are planned to be developed in a series of articles devoted to the consideration of Schiller's philosophical views.

Friedrich Schiller, drama, beautiful soul, freedom, state, matter, form, sensuality, reason, play drive