Woyzeck essay questions

Mueller also emphasizes the scientific, sharp quality of Buchner's social criticism, quite different from Romantic affectations. One stylistic choice contributing to this bold, "dispassionate" approach is Buchner's use of caricature for every character save Woyzeck and Marie.

One stylistic choice contributing to this bold, "dispassionate" approach is Buchner's use of caricature for every character save Woyzeck and Marie. He wastes no time in fleshing out characters that are ultimately there only to enhance or contrast the protagonists' traits.

Because Buchner died in 1837 before ever finishing Woyzeck, leaving behind four unpolished manuscripts, it is impossible to have a definitive version of the work. Scholars hotly debate issues such as which scenes to include, the order of the scenes, and especially the ending.

Woyzeck is based on a true account of a poor man who was executed for stabbing his wife, Marie, to death. Buchner became fascinated with the case, so much so that he used it as inspiration for the play that would culminate his short literary career.