The Poetization of Mystical Constructs in the Work of Novalis

The poet Friedrich von Hardenberg (Novalis) (1772-1801) exemplifies romantic ideals in his nostalgic yearning for spiritual fulfillment and, in doing so, invokes the language of authentic mystics. While romantics and mystics believe in the common goal of original union, the path toward wholeness has led them down separate roads, which, it may be argued, have converged only linguistically. This book, therefore, emphasizes the importance of examining metaphors in their respective traditions.