Insights from the life and literary works of the physicist, mathematician and philosopher Heinrich von Kleist have stood the test of time.
Heinrich von Kleist (18 October 1777 - 21 November 1811) wrote tragedies, short stories and comedies. With his nuanced portrayal of the human individual in the conflict between personal moral sentiment and social, moral norms, he is recognised as one of the most important German playwrights of his time. He was regarded as a co-founder of the German novella. ‘Die Familie Schroffenstein’ (1803), “Der Zerbrochene Krug” (1808) and “Das Käthchen von Heilbronn” (1810) were performed during his lifetime. The poet did not receive the attention he deserved until the 20th century. He was ahead of his time.