From 1857 to 1858, Meyer traveled to France, Germany and Italy successively, and was influenced by the classical culture represented by the Italian Renaissance, and then engaged in the introduction of French literature. 187 1 published a long narrative poem "The End of Hutten", which caused widespread influence. In the next 20 years, he completed 1 novels and1short stories. 1898 165438+ Meyer died in Kirchberg on1October 28th.
In the history of modern Swiss literature, Meyer is second only to Keller. His outstanding achievements are historical novels, most of which are set in the life of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Reformation and Religious War. The novel Juerg Jenatsch is his masterpiece (1870), which reflects a period of history in the Thirty Years' War in Switzerland. It is written that Juerg Jenatsch, the leader of Protestantism, won the liberation for the nation, but he became a traitor and tyrant, and finally died by the sword and axe of the enemy. This story reflects the author's view that politics and morality are contradictory. The novella Saint (1879) reflects the fierce struggle between politics and religion in medieval England through the feud and contradiction between King Henry II of England and Thomas Burckhardt, Archbishop of Canterbury. Plautus in the Monastery (1882) criticizes Catholic asceticism. The short story The Suffering of a Juvenile (1883) reveals the destruction of human spirit by Jesuit priests. His other important novels include Amulet (1873), Monk's Wedding (1884), Female Judge (1855), The Temptation of pescara (1887) and Angela.
Meyer's first book of poetry is Twenty Narrative Ballads written by a Swiss (1804). His masterpiece "The End of Hutten" describes the death of Huteng, a German knight leader, on an island in Lake Zurich, recalling his all-powerful life, full of contradictions and pains. Through this historical figure, the author shows sympathy and concern for German reunification. In addition, beautiful lyric poems such as The Fountain of Rome and Double Sails are novel in content and beautiful in language.
1848 after the failure of the revolution, Germany was filled with pessimism and disappointment. At this time, most of Meyer's works have a low tone and end in tragedy. He hates reality and regards the Renaissance and the German religious war as ideal times, which is the main reason why he writes historical themes. Influenced by the historical idealism that "heroes make history", the protagonists in Meyer's novels are mostly lonely "heroes" with strong willpower. He writes about history by borrowing the past from the present. On the one hand, he expressed his dissatisfaction or criticism of reality, and at the same time praised Bismarck and expressed sympathy for his behavior.
Meyer's novels are ingenious in conception, magnificent in scene, extremely dramatic, exquisite in psychological description and beautiful and concise in language, which is praised by Keller. His poems are emotional, vivid and symbolic.