Minna Von Barnhelm Analysis

There is several characteristics which make up a comedy and add to our enjoyment of entertainment sources. Within Minna von Barnhelm Lessing portrays many characteristics of a comedy. The play is a drama set with the backdrop of the Seven Years War between Prussia and Saxony. Lessing’s main characters are from these provinces. The Prussian soldier Major von Tellheim and Minna von Barnhelm are in love. Unfortunately Tellheim’s code of honour is preventing him from marrying Minna and is successful in causing problems in their relationship. Tellheim has been accused of bribing the Saxons however, his only crime is his generosity. When discussing money he was owed with the widow of a friend he claimed there was no record of money being owed. So etwas pflege ich nicht zu verlegen. Wenn ich sie nicht have, so ist es ein Beweiss, dass ich nie eine gehabt habe, oder dass sie getilgt, und von mir schon zuruckgegeben worden und Ich werde es nicht vergessen, dass ein Sohn von ihm da ist. Er wird mein SOhn sein, sobald ich sein Vater sein kann. Die Verwirrung, in der ich mich jetzt selbst befinde (Lessing 2012: 13-15) It is because of these charges that he feels he is not honorable enough to marry Saxon woman Minna. The only evidence in this play that suggests it dates back to the seven years war is reference to money currency. Money is a key element in the play just as love is equally important. However, we are left with many questions about money. How much did the widow in mourning attempt to pay Tellheim? How much did Werner give Tellheim? How much did Tellheim supposedly take for the Saxons? All the drama in this play is set on the basis of money with love coming second. The comedic relationship between Minna and Tellheim teaches the audience money cannot buy you happiness however love

Many argue that the comedy is not clear. When examining the comic effects in the play many critics have battled with the questions of where the comedy lies. Is it in the characters or the plot, who is the central character, and do the characters learn and improve from past events? As mentioned above the back drop of the seven years war is vital. Nonetheless, Lessing 's political stance is unknown. It is unclear whether he is mocking Frederick the Great or praising the Prussian state and its army. Humor in Minna von Barnhelm is used to ridicule people such as Der Wirt who is essentially a symbol for spoilers in society. One the other hand humor is based on ideas. It deals with some serious aspects in life such as the inability to see the good in yourself. It should be noted that this play may be appealing to the people in today ' society. Sarcasm is used often and this adds to the humor of the play. It is because of these reasons listed that Minna von Barnhelm is deserving of the comedy genre. There is many aspects of Lessing 's work which makes Minna von Barnhelm a comedy. Lessing uses many characteristics of a comedy such as unrealistic and exaggerated characters, reference to the past, controversy, resolution often intrigue and good end. Lessing also mixes comedy with