Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was brought into the world on August, 28th, 1749, in Frankfurt, Germany. His father was a well-respected German, who at the time was wealthy, educated, and of high social class. His mother was the progeny of the councilor, Textor. His mother inspired Goethe by making up stories as a child. In some ways this sparked the beginning of his career. (Encarta, 2)

Goethe's father, as a man of power, sought for him to receive the best education possible. Goethe was provided a private teacher who lived with the Goethes. At the age of eight years, Goethe was able to read and write at elementary level in the German, French, Italian, Greek, and Latin languages. His childhood provided him with the independence and maturity that stayed with him throughout his intellectual life. (Boyle, 1)

Goethe was inspired by literature, music, and poetry. It was a...