First published in 1818, Franz Grillparzer's Sappho is a classic of German literature that breathes dramatic life into the elusive figure of the ancient poet. While it's a product of its time, the emotional core of the story remains powerfully accessible.

The Story

The play opens with Sappho's triumphant return to Lesbos. She's a national hero, a poet whose fame has spread across Greece. With her comes Phaon, a handsome young man she rescued and has fallen in love with. Back in her lavish home, however, trouble is brewing. Phaon's affections aren't for Sappho, but for her radiant slave, Melitta. What follows is a tense and heartbreaking drama. Sappho, used to commanding respect and admiration through her art, finds herself powerless in the face of real, unrequited love. She tries everything—poetry, gifts, authority—to win Phaon, but only pushes him further away. The clash isn't just between three people; it's between the idealized world of art Sappho has mastered and the messy, uncontrollable world of human feeling.

Why You Should Read It

What gripped me wasn't the historical setting, but Sappho herself. Grillparzer paints her as a deeply conflicted and sympathetic character. She's strong, brilliant, and accomplished, yet achingly vulnerable. Her struggle isn't just about love; it's about identity. Can she be both the immortal poet and a woman with simple human needs? The tragedy unfolds because she believes she can't. The supporting characters aren't just props, either. Phaon and Melitta represent a kind of naive, natural love that Sappho, for all her wisdom, can never access. It makes you think about the price of greatness and the loneliness that can come with it.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect pick for readers who love retellings of Greek myths or historical figures. If you enjoyed Madeline Miller's novels or the psychological depth of a classic stage tragedy, you'll find a lot to love here. It's also a great, manageable introduction to 19th-century German drama—the language is clear and the action is direct. Fair warning: it's a tragedy, so don't expect a happy ending. But do expect a moving, thoughtful exploration of art, love, and the space between the person and the legend.