# On German Prose and the Art of Reading explained — Beyond Good and Evil

> Chapter companion for Beyond Good and Evil by Friedrich Nietzsche.

## What happens

The narrator launches a scathing critique of German prose and the German reading public, lamenting their lack of a musical 'third ear' necessary to appreciate the art of language. He contrasts two masters of prose style to illustrate the profound stylistic nuances that Germans fail to perceive.

## Themes in this chapter

### Critique of Modernity

The chapter extends Nietzsche's cultural critique to the decay of artistic sensibility and linguistic artistry in modern German society.

## Character check-ins

### The Narrator

Critiques German literary sensibilities and articulates the nuanced art of prose style, positioning himself as a sensitive reader.

### The Germans

Portrayed as lacking musicality and artistic sensitivity in both writing and reading, being 'deaf' to the art of language.

## Key lines

> What a torture are books written in German to a reader who has a third ear!

For a perceptive reader, German books are agonizing due to their lack of musicality.

_Establishes the central complaint about German prose's aesthetic poverty._

> who among book-reading Germans is complaisant enough to recognize such duties and requirements, and to listen to so much art and intention in language?

No German reader is willing or able to appreciate the intricate artistry required in good writing.

_Highlights the perceived failure of the German reading public._

> one, whose words drop down hesitatingly and coldly, as from the roof of a damp cave... and another who manipulates his language like a flexible sword...

He contrasts two prose masters: one with a slow, echoing, cold style, and another with a sharp, agile, dangerous style.

_Illustrates the extreme stylistic contrasts that Germans fail to discern._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beyond_good_and_evil_se/chapters/246
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beyond_good_and_evil_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/beyond_good_and_evil_se/chapters