Augustus Von KotzebueGerman dramatist, novelist, and diplomat Augustus von Kotzebue (1761–1819) had a major impact on the growth of German theater in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Von Kotzebue, a German native who was raised in Weimar, first sought a legal eduction and a career in government service before turning to literature. Von Kotzebue was renowned for his prodigious output and wrote in a variety of genres, including melodrama, comedy, and drama. In his plays, he often tackled morality, patriotism, and social critique themes, addressing current events and societal challenges of the day. His writings were well-liked and had a significant impact, appealing to a broad audience with their intriguing stories and likable characters. Sadly, a nationalist student killed von Kotzebue in 1819, ending his life because of the student's impression of von Kotzebue's conservative ideas and affiliation with the Russian Empire. His premature death called attention to the political unrest of the day and turned him into a martyr for Germany's conservative forces. With his perceptive plays and varied body of work, Augustus von Kotzebue made significant contributions to German theater and literature that continue to influence the country's theater industry today. He is a notable character in German cultural history because of his capacity to enthrall audiences with compelling narrative and thought-provoking subjects. Read More Read Less