Tieck’s Alternative Theory of Romantic Irony

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This paper reexamines Ludwig Tieck’s theoretical contributions to Romantic irony and contrasts Tieck’s underacknowledged importance in this area with Friedrich Schlegel’s usual characterization as the progenitor of widely adopted ironic theory. With a unique understanding of dialogic self-creation, Tieck’s 1795 epistolary novel William Lovell proleptically critiques features of what will become the dominant Romantic-ironic worldviews articulated by Schlegel. More specifically, Tieck’s novel stresses the existence of a blind spot within the otherwise circumspect character of irony, foregrounding the risk of egoistic behavior that arises from Schlegel’s positive evaluation of constant subjective activity. Wary of such a risk, Tieck’s theory of irony represents a road not taken with respect to irony’s use as a tool to control and limit the self.