Wenn mein Herz gesund wär

Name: Wenn mein Herz gesund wär
Author: Else Lasker-Schüler

By Else Lasker-Schüler

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

German Literature

About This Book

A lyrical, voice-driven monologue in which the speaker alternates between ecstatic fantasy and melancholic despair. She imagines dramatic escapes, physical cures, and an exotic household, entertains theatrical offers and fancied rule over a distant realm, and reacts to urban claustrophobia, debt, and critical reception. The text blends playful surreal images—aviators, polar journeys, painted constellations—with candid admissions of loneliness, a craving for affectionate letters, and a longing for a healthy heart. Rapid associative shifts, theatrical wit, and melancholic irony give the piece its energetic, fragmented form.

About the Author

Else Lasker-Schüler

Else Lasker-Schüler was a prominent German poet, playwright, and artist, known for her unique contributions to expressionist literature. Born in 1869, she became a significant figure in the early 20th-century literary scene, celebrated for her innovative use of language and emotional depth. Her works often explore themes of love, identity, and the human experience. Among her notable plays is "Die Wupper: Schauspiel in 5 Aufzügen," which showcases her dramatic talents. Lasker-Schüler's essays, such as those found in "Gesichte: Essays und andere Geschichten," reflect her keen observations of society and art. Her literary legacy continues to influence contemporary writers and artists.