Der romantische Oedipus

Der romantische Oedipus is a witty comedy written by August, Graf von Platen, in 1829. Platen, a German poet and dramatist, was known for his pursuit of classical purity in style, often opposing the perceived excesses of the Romantic tradition.1

In Der romantische Oedipus, Platen satirized the Romantic style, particularly the "fate drama". This play earned him the animosity of fellow writers Karl Immermann and Heinrich Heine, whose works Platen had ridiculed within the comedy. Despite this, Platen's plays were admired for their polished form and diction, reflecting his commitment to classical aesthetics. The play's title references Sophocles' famous tragedy, Oedipus the King, suggesting a satirical take on the classical myth within a Romantic context.123