Major von Tellheim or Tragedy Averted: A Reevaluation of Lessing's Serious Comedy Minna von Barnhelm

Abstract

<p>This thesis will consider the serious side of Lessing's play Minna von Barnhelm by focusing on the figure of Major von Tellheim. It is important to note that we will assess the work as a serious rather than as a tragic comedy. It is not the tragic but rather the potentially tragic nature of Tellheim's dilemma which we will consider. In order that this study present as complete a picture as a master's thesis will allow, both popular and controversial views of this character will be examined. In this way we hope not only to show how critics have dealt with the major in the past, but also to indicate the direction in which modern research seems to be moving as scholars continue to scrutinize this most compelling figure.</p>