Wilhelm Grimm: biography, family, creativity

The Brothers Grimm is familiar to every child who has already begun to discover the world of children's literature. On fairy tales that have come out from the pen of these two recognized masters, has grown for more than one generation. Their works influence the personality of a small person, educate character, form its values.

The Brothers Grimm became known to the world as researchers of folk culture. Jacob and Wilhelm devoted their lives to the study of popular thought and self-awareness, which are reflected in fairy tales. Philip Wilhelm Grimm was the father of these two brothers, and rightfully could be proud of his sons. In this article we will talk about the youngest of them - Wilhelm.

Biographical information

In 1786 Wilhelm Grimm was born. His biography is quite entertaining and interesting. Despite the fact that the leading role in writing activities belonged to Jacob, his brother was in no way inferior to him. He was a dreamer and a visionary, he always worked carefully, checking out the smallest details. His zeal and diligence could only be envied.

Wilhelm Grimm graduated from the University of Marburg. In connection with the expressed health problems (suffering from asthma and pains in the heart), he did not have the opportunity to get any job, so he joined the work of collecting German fairy tales, which began his brother Jacob. This occupation attracted Wilhelm so much that he studied with great enthusiasm and enthusiasm all the necessary materials, analyzed them and made his own opinion.

Family and activities

Loneliness and personal disorder greatly weighed upon Wilhelm. For a long time he positioned himself only as a researcher and collector of fairy tales. In his life there was no place for personal relationships and family. Only after reaching the age of 39, Wilhelm Grimm decided to marry a girl he knew from childhood. Henrietta Dorothea Wild helped brothers in all matters, supported in any endeavors. In 1828, Herman's son appeared in their family. Then no one could have imagined that in the future he would be a talented figure in literature.

In 1831, Wilhelm Grimm began work at the University of Göttingen. He held the position of librarian for about four years, and then became a professor. The German philologist studied all his life what was interesting and significant for him. Perhaps, therefore, his tireless work, like his brother Jacob, remained in eternity. Wilhelm Grimm was a representative of the Heidelberg romantics, he set himself the task of reviving the social and scientific interest in popular culture.

Creative heritage

Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm created a whole galaxy of heroes, which readers love and know at the moment. Interest in creativity does not fade after many years, but all because a huge amount of work has been done, public and personal topical issues are touched upon. The house where Jakob and Wilhelm Grimm lived, can be called the custodian of the creative heritage. For many years the brothers worked there as if they were monks-recluses, drawing inspiration from folk tales and entertaining stories. All their lives they complemented and supported each other in everything.

Each of us since childhood has his favorite tales, belonging to the pen of these two masters. "Mrs. Metelitsa", "Hansel and Gretel", "Little Red Riding Hood", "Rapunzel", "Pot of Porridge" - the list can be continued indefinitely. The main thing, perhaps, is that both brothers worked with complete dedication and enviable persistence.

"The Bremen Town Musicians"

There is no other such tale, which would be so enveloped in the spirit of romanticism and freedom. Reading the "Bremen musicians", forget about everything in the world, filled with positive feelings. She teaches the good, the art of accepting herself in different life situations. The conditions of reality do not always, unfortunately, correspond to our desires and possibilities. However, one should never give up and give up.

All the heroes of this fairy tale - a donkey, a dog, a cat and a rooster - were unnecessary to their masters. They grew old and stopped benefiting man. If the animals had reconciled themselves to their fate, they probably disappeared. However, the enterprisingness of one of them helped the rest not to lose heart, but to change their lives for the better. The fairy tale has a good ending, full of adventures and mysteries. She is very fond of children between the ages of five and eight. Adults also have something to take from this work.

"Brave Tailor"

In the fairy tale it is about how one young master spoiled the fabric and decided to radically change his destiny. At first the tailor was frightened, and then, in despair, he ran away from home. Moved by fear for a spoiled cloth tailor wanted to escape punishment. Then he realized that the best defense for him would be to position himself as a brave and brave strongman.

Soon the whole district knew his name. Rumor flew around the city and many already in advance came to the horror of the mere thought of meeting with him. Choosing myself a sonorous motto "I know for sure not a bad thing - seven with one blow," the former tailor completely changed his life. He so believed in the image that he himself thought up, that he really managed to defeat the robbers, to tame the unicorn. This fairy tale shows a contest of the human mind, fantasy and courage.

"Belyanochka and Rosochka"

This story is one of the most beloved and touching, especially loved by children. The two sisters were so friendly with each other that they were always together. They were very fond of people for diligent behavior, good upbringing and respectful attitude towards elders. One day a bear came to the house where the girls lived with their mother and asked them to warm themselves by the fire. The landlady allowed, and soon the beast stayed with them until the very spring. Then, during several incidents, it turned out that it was not a bear at all, but a young man, whom an evil gnome had conjured into a wild beast. Rosochka and Belyanochka showed themselves towards him as loyal and faithful friends, for which they were rewarded in the future. Both sisters found their destiny - one in the face of the newly-born prince in gold robes, the other married his brother.

The tale is very deep, it has a philosophical overtones. It fully confirms the idea that virtue always finds reward.

"Sleeping Beauty"

A fairy tale tells of a girl who was bewitched by an evil sorceress. She slept for a hundred years, waiting until one day the prince wakes her up with her appearance. Then the spell became invalid and everything fell into place.

"Sleeping Beauty" contains a complex semantic load. On the one hand, this is an unremarkable story, and on the other - a prototype of the emotional maturation of any girl. Those experiences that every representative of the beautiful half of humanity experiences, are very similar to what the main character felt. Sleep also has a metaphorical meaning. Until a certain age, the girl must be surrounded by a certain cocoon that will protect her from the invasion of all strangers.

"Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs"

This tale is called the most romantic. She teaches kindness, humility and attentive attitude to the environment. The image of Snow White is imbued with genuine femininity and tenderness. She is the true guardian of good and justice. The girl was attentive to all living beings, she never offended anyone. Her beauty and youth caused jealousy in her stepmother, who drove her out of the house. So Snow White found herself in the forest, where she met seven cheerful gnomes. A happy ending begins when she meets her destiny in the face of a young prince.

The fairy tale is filled with positive, colorful details, funny moments. Children love to listen to her and ask parents to read the book to them an infinite number of times.

The creative heritage of the brothers is great and significant. And it was Wilhelm Grimm who gave such a living, beautiful form to the text. Tales turned out magnificent: instructive and funny at the same time. It can be compared with a skillful artist who is able to revive the culture of the past through his works.