Introduction: “Ode to Freedom” aka “Ode to Joy” by Friedrich Schiller
“Ode to Freedom,” also known as “Ode to Joy,” by Friedrich Schiller first appeared in 1785 in the Thalia magazine and was later included in his collection of poems published in 1786. The poem celebrates universal brotherhood, joy, and the divine spark that unites humanity beyond social divisions. Schiller’s vision of freedom and fraternity is captured in the lines, “Your magics join again / What custom strictly divided; / All people become brothers, / Where your gentle wing abides.” Here, “joy” is both a moral and spiritual force that transcends boundaries, reflecting Enlightenment ideals of liberty and equality. The poem’s enduring popularity stems from its humanistic optimism and its later adaptation by Ludwig van Beethoven in the choral finale of his Ninth Symphony (1824), which transformed it into a universal anthem of peace and unity. The concluding stanza—“You millions, I embrace you. / This kiss is for all the world!”—encapsulates Schiller’s belief in a shared divine origin, urging humanity toward harmony and freedom under a loving Creator.
Text: “Ode to Freedom” aka “Ode to Joy” by Friedrich Schiller
Joy, beautiful spark of divinity,
Daughter from Elysium,
We enter, drunk with fire,
Heavenly One, thy sanctuary!
Your magics join again
What custom strictly divided;*
All people become brothers,*
Where your gentle wing abides.
Who has succeeded in the great attempt,
To be a friend’s friend,
Whoever has won a lovely woman,
Add his to the jubilation!
Indeed, who calls even one soul
Theirs upon this world!
And whoever never managed, shall steal himself
Weeping away from this union.
All creatures drink of joy
At nature’s breast.
Just and unjust
Alike taste of her gift;
She gave us kisses and the fruit of the vine,
A tried friend to the end.
[Even] the worm has been granted sensuality,
And the cherub stands before God!
Gladly, as His heavenly bodies fly
On their courses through the heavens,
Thus, brothers, you should run your race,
As a hero going to conquest.
You millions, I embrace you.
This kiss is for all the world!
Brothers, above the starry canopy
There must dwell a loving Father.
Do you fall in worship, you millions?
World, do you know your creator?
Seek him in the heavens;
Above the stars must He dwell.
Annotations: “Ode to Freedom” aka “Ode to Joy” by Friedrich Schiller
| Stanza | Detailed Explanation | Literary Devices |
| Stanza 1 Joy, beautiful spark of divinity… Where your gentle wing abides. | This stanza introduces joy as a divine, almost celestial force (“spark of divinity”) originating from Elysium, a mythical paradise in Greek mythology. The speaker describes entering a sacred space, intoxicated by joy’s fiery energy. The “magics” of joy dissolve societal divisions (e.g., class, status), fostering universal brotherhood. The “gentle wing” suggests joy’s protective, nurturing presence, creating a sense of unity and harmony. | – Personification: Joy is personified as a divine female figure, a “Heavenly One” with “gentle wing.” – Metaphor: “Spark of divinity” compares joy to a divine flame. – Imagery: Vivid images like “drunk with fire” and “gentle wing” evoke emotion and sensation. – Allusion: Reference to “Elysium,” a mythological paradise. – Alliteration: “Beautiful spark” and “gentle wing” emphasize rhythm and sound. |
| Stanza 2 Who has succeeded in the great attempt… Weeping away from this union. | This stanza emphasizes the inclusivity of joy, celebrating human connections like friendship and romantic love. The “great attempt” refers to forming deep, meaningful bonds, a significant achievement. The stanza contrasts those who experience love or friendship with those who are isolated, highlighting joy’s communal nature. The imagery of weeping suggests the emotional pain of exclusion from this universal bond. | – Hyperbole: “Great attempt” elevates friendship to a heroic feat. – Contrast: Juxtaposes the joy of connection with the sorrow of isolation. – Imagery: “Weeping away” creates a vivid emotional picture. – Allusion: The idea of a “union” echoes the communal ideals of the first stanza. – Synecdoche: “One soul” represents a single loved one or friend. |
| Stanza 3 All creatures drink of joy… And the cherub stands before God! | This stanza broadens the scope of joy to encompass all creation, from humans to animals and even worms. Nature is personified as a nurturing mother, offering joy to all, regardless of moral standing (“just and unjust”). The gifts of “kisses” and “fruit of the vine” symbolize love and wine, respectively, as universal pleasures. The stanza contrasts earthly sensuality (the worm) with divine presence (the cherub before God), suggesting joy’s reach from the mundane to the divine. | – Personification: Nature is depicted as a mother with a “breast” offering joy. – Metaphor: “Drink of joy” compares joy to a nourishing liquid. – Imagery: “Kisses,” “fruit of the vine,” and “cherub stands before God” create vivid sensory and spiritual images. – Contrast: Juxtaposes the lowly worm with the divine cherub. – Allusion: References to cherubs and God evoke Christian imagery. |
| Stanza 4 Gladly, as His heavenly bodies fly… As a hero going to conquest. | This stanza uses the motion of celestial bodies as a metaphor for purposeful, joyful living. The “heavenly bodies” (stars or planets) follow their ordained paths with grace and precision, serving as a model for humans to run their “race” (life) with heroic vigor. The comparison to a “hero going to conquest” imbues life with purpose and triumph, urging readers to embrace joy in their endeavors. | – Simile: “Gladly, as His heavenly bodies fly” compares human action to celestial motion. – Metaphor: Life as a “race” and humans as “heroes” going to “conquest.” – Imagery: “Heavenly bodies fly” and “hero going to conquest” evoke dynamic movement. – Alliteration: “Run your race” enhances rhythm. – Allusion: “His heavenly bodies” refers to God’s creation, implying divine order. |
| Stanza 5 You millions, I embrace you… Above the stars must He dwell. | The final stanza expands to a cosmic scale, with the speaker embracing “millions” (all of humanity) in a universal gesture of love, symbolized by a “kiss” for the world. It expresses faith in a benevolent God (“loving Father”) who resides above the “starry canopy.” The rhetorical questions urge humanity to recognize and seek this divine creator, reinforcing the poem’s themes of unity, divinity, and transcendence. The stanza concludes with a sense of awe and spiritual aspiration. | – Apostrophe: Addressing “you millions” and “world” directly engages humanity. – Metaphor: “This kiss is for all the world” symbolizes universal love. – Imagery: “Starry canopy” and “above the stars” evoke a cosmic, divine realm. – Rhetorical Questions: “Do you fall in worship, you millions?” and “World, do you know your creator?” provoke reflection. – Allusion: References to a “loving Father” and heavens evoke Christian theology. |
Literary And Poetic Devices: “Ode to Freedom” aka “Ode to Joy” by Friedrich Schiller
| Literary/Poetic Device | Example from the Poem | Explanation |
| Allusion | “Daughter from Elysium” (Stanza 1) | Refers to Elysium, a paradise in Greek mythology, suggesting joy’s divine and idyllic origin. This allusion elevates the concept of joy to a mythological, transcendent level. |
| Anaphora | “Who has succeeded… Whoever has won…” (Stanza 2) | The repetition of “who” and “whoever” at the start of lines emphasizes the inclusivity of joy, highlighting different ways people can experience it (friendship, love). It creates a rhythmic and persuasive tone. |
| Apostrophe | “You millions, I embrace you” (Stanza 5) | The speaker directly addresses “millions” (humanity), creating a sense of intimacy and universality. This device engages the reader and reinforces the poem’s theme of global unity. |
| Assonance | “We enter, drunk with fire” (Stanza 1) | The repetition of the short “i” sound in “with” and “fire” creates a sonic unity, enhancing the passionate and intense imagery of being consumed by joy. |
| Consonance | “Gentle wing abides” (Stanza 1) | The repetition of the “g” sound in “gentle” and “wing” adds a soft, soothing rhythm, reinforcing the comforting and protective nature of joy’s presence. |
| Contrast | “Just and unjust / Alike taste of her gift” (Stanza 3) | Juxtaposing “just and unjust” highlights joy’s universal accessibility, emphasizing that it transcends moral boundaries. This contrast reinforces the poem’s theme of inclusivity. |
| Enjambment | “We enter, drunk with fire, / Heavenly One, thy sanctuary!” (Stanza 1) | The thought flows from one line to the next without pause, mirroring the overwhelming, continuous rush of joy. This creates a sense of urgency and emotional intensity. |
| Hyperbole | “This kiss is for all the world!” (Stanza 5) | The exaggerated claim of a kiss embracing the entire world amplifies the speaker’s passion and the poem’s theme of universal love and brotherhood. |
| Imagery | “Drunk with fire” (Stanza 1) | Vivid sensory language evokes the intense, intoxicating experience of joy, appealing to the reader’s senses and emotions. This imagery makes the abstract concept of joy tangible and dynamic. |
| Inversion | “Seek him in the heavens” (Stanza 5) | The reversed word order (instead of “seek him in heaven”) creates a poetic, elevated tone, emphasizing the spiritual quest for the divine and adding a formal, hymn-like quality. |
| Metaphor | “Spark of divinity” (Stanza 1) | Compares joy to a divine spark, suggesting it is a sacred, radiant force. This metaphor elevates joy to a spiritual and transformative power. |
| Metonymy | “Fruit of the vine” (Stanza 3) | Refers to wine, using the vine’s produce to represent the drink. This metonymy evokes pleasure and abundance, aligning with the theme of nature’s gifts. |
| Onomatopoeia | Not explicitly present | While Schiller’s poem lacks clear onomatopoeia (words mimicking sounds), the rhythmic flow of words like “fly” and “run” (Stanza 4) subtly suggests motion, though not a direct example. Included here for completeness, but no specific instance applies. |
| Parallelism | “All people become brothers, / Where your gentle wing abides” (Stanza 1) | The parallel structure of these lines reinforces the cause-and-effect relationship between joy’s presence and human unity, creating a balanced and emphatic rhythm. |
| Personification | “Joy, beautiful spark of divinity” (Stanza 1) | Joy is personified as a divine female figure, a “daughter” with agency and magic. This gives joy a human-like presence, making it relatable and powerful. |
| Repetition | “Above the stars must He dwell” (Stanza 5) | Repeating “must He dwell” emphasizes the certainty and transcendence of the divine creator’s existence, reinforcing the poem’s spiritual climax. |
| Rhetorical Question | “Do you fall in worship, you millions?” (Stanza 5) | This question challenges humanity to reflect on their relationship with the divine, engaging readers and prompting introspection about faith and purpose. |
| Simile | “Gladly, as His heavenly bodies fly” (Stanza 4) | Compares human pursuit of life to the motion of celestial bodies, suggesting grace and purpose. This simile inspires readers to live joyfully and heroically. |
| Synecdoche | “One soul / Theirs upon this world” (Stanza 2) | “One soul” represents a single person or loved one, emphasizing the value of individual connections within the broader theme of universal unity. |
Themes: “Ode to Freedom” aka “Ode to Joy” by Friedrich Schiller
1. Universal Brotherhood and Unity
In Friedrich Schiller’s “Ode to Freedom” (also known as “Ode to Joy”), one of the most powerful themes is the celebration of universal brotherhood—the idea that joy and freedom unite all of humanity beyond divisions of class, custom, and nation. Schiller’s line, “All people become brothers, where your gentle wing abides,” epitomizes this idealistic vision of human unity under the benevolent influence of joy and divine love. The poet portrays joy not merely as an emotion but as a spiritual force that reconciles what society and custom have divided. This idea, later immortalized in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, reflects Schiller’s Enlightenment belief in human equality and moral progress. The poem envisions a world where every being, bound by the sacred fire of joy, transcends the barriers of self-interest and isolation to embrace a collective humanity.
2. Divine Joy and Spiritual Exaltation
In Schiller’s “Ode to Freedom”, joy is personified as a divine spark—a celestial gift that connects humankind to the divine order of the universe. The poem opens with the exclamation, “Joy, beautiful spark of divinity, Daughter from Elysium,” directly elevating joy to a divine principle emanating from the heavens. This metaphysical framing transforms joy into a pathway to transcendence, a spiritual state that mirrors the harmony of the cosmos. Schiller imagines joy as the essence of creation, animating both “the worm” and “the cherub” alike. Such imagery underscores his vision of a joyful universe where every being, from the lowest to the highest, participates in divine harmony. Joy becomes the bridge between the human and the sacred—a means of liberation that grants spiritual freedom from earthly limitations.
3. Nature’s Harmony and Human Equality
In Friedrich Schiller’s “Ode to Joy,” nature functions as a symbol of divine generosity and equality, reflecting the poet’s humanist philosophy. The stanza “All creatures drink of joy / At nature’s breast. / Just and unjust / Alike taste of her gift,” portrays nature as an impartial mother who nourishes all beings without discrimination. This imagery reveals Schiller’s belief in the natural harmony that underlies existence, contrasting sharply with human-made inequalities. Nature, in her abundance, embodies the moral order that human society often lacks—she provides “kisses and the fruit of the vine,” signifying love, sustenance, and shared happiness. Through this depiction, Schiller advocates for a world where human relationships reflect the same balance and inclusivity found in nature, thereby reinforcing his ideal of freedom grounded in universal benevolence.
4. Faith, Transcendence, and the Divine Fatherhood
In Schiller’s “Ode to Freedom,” the poet concludes with a profound meditation on faith and transcendence, envisioning a moral order sustained by a loving Creator. The lines, “Brothers, above the starry canopy / There must dwell a loving Father,” evoke the sense of divine oversight and moral unity that binds the cosmos. For Schiller, joy and faith are intertwined—the recognition of divine love is both the source and the culmination of human joy. The poet urges humanity to look “above the stars” for their Creator, suggesting that the ultimate freedom and harmony of mankind lie not in earthly triumphs but in spiritual awakening. This celestial vision of a “loving Father” situates freedom within a metaphysical framework, where moral elevation and divine connection become the true markers of liberty and human fulfillment.
Literary Theories and “Ode to Freedom” aka “Ode to Joy” by Friedrich Schiller
| Literary Theory | Application to “Ode to Freedom” by Friedrich Schiller | Supporting References from the Poem |
| 1. Humanism | From a Humanist perspective, Schiller’s poem celebrates the intrinsic worth, dignity, and potential of all human beings. The poem exalts human joy, fraternity, and rational harmony as divine gifts, affirming man’s moral and intellectual unity. It reflects Enlightenment ideals that trust in reason, virtue, and universal brotherhood. | “All people become brothers, where your gentle wing abides.” — This line conveys the moral equality and unity of mankind, a cornerstone of humanist thought. |
| 2. Romantic Idealism | Through the lens of Romantic Idealism, Schiller’s poem embodies the belief that emotion, imagination, and spirituality transcend material existence. “Joy” is personified as a divine, animating force linking human hearts and cosmic order—an expression of Romantic reverence for the sublime and for the unity of all creation. | “Joy, beautiful spark of divinity, Daughter from Elysium.” — The invocation of joy as a celestial being reveals the Romantic fascination with transcendence and divine imagination. |
| 3. Theological/Religious Interpretation | A Theological reading interprets Schiller’s poem as a hymn to divine love and creation. The references to a “loving Father” beyond the stars emphasize faith, gratitude, and humanity’s spiritual ascent. This view aligns with Schiller’s portrayal of divine joy as the source of moral and cosmic order. | “Brothers, above the starry canopy / There must dwell a loving Father.” — The poem concludes with a vision of divine providence and universal faith. |
| 4. Existential/Human Condition Theory | Under Existential interpretation, “Ode to Freedom” explores the human search for connection, meaning, and authenticity. The stanza on friendship and love reflects existential fulfillment through human bonds, while the warning to the joyless (“whoever never managed, shall steal himself weeping away”) reveals the alienation of those who fail to find purpose or belonging. | “Whoever never managed, shall steal himself / Weeping away from this union.” — This highlights the existential sorrow of isolation and the need for meaningful human ties. |
Critical Questions about “Ode to Freedom” aka “Ode to Joy” by Friedrich Schiller
- How does Friedrich Schiller use the concept of joy in “Ode to Joy” to promote the idea of universal human unity?
- In “Ode to Joy,” Friedrich Schiller presents joy as a divine, unifying force that transcends societal divisions and fosters universal brotherhood. The poem opens with the invocation, “Joy, beautiful spark of divinity, / Daughter from Elysium,” establishing joy as a celestial, almost sacred entity capable of inspiring profound connection. Schiller emphasizes its power to dissolve barriers, stating, “Your magics join again / What custom strictly divided; / All people become brothers, / Where your gentle wing abides.” This suggests that joy overcomes societal constructs like class or status, uniting humanity under its “gentle wing.” The second stanza extends this inclusivity to personal relationships, celebrating “Whoever has won a lovely woman” or “calls even one soul / Theirs upon this world,” implying that even a single meaningful connection integrates individuals into joy’s communal embrace. By the final stanza, Schiller’s vision expands to a global scale with the speaker declaring, “You millions, I embrace you. / This kiss is for all the world!” This hyperbolic gesture underscores joy’s capacity to unite all humanity in a shared emotional and spiritual experience. Schiller’s use of joy as a metaphor for divine connection reflects Enlightenment ideals of equality and fraternity, making it a powerful vehicle for promoting universal unity.
- What role does the divine imagery play in shaping the spiritual themes of Friedrich Schiller’s “Ode to Joy”?
- In Friedrich Schiller’s “Ode to Joy,” divine imagery elevates the poem’s exploration of joy into a spiritual quest, linking human experience to a transcendent, cosmic order. The poem begins by describing joy as a “beautiful spark of divinity” and “Daughter from Elysium,” immediately framing it as a sacred force with mythological and divine origins. This celestial imagery suggests that joy is not merely an emotion but a gift from a higher power, connecting humanity to the divine. The third stanza broadens this spiritual scope, noting that “the cherub stands before God!” while even “the worm has been granted sensuality,” juxtaposing the divine and the earthly to illustrate joy’s universal reach. The final stanza explicitly invokes a “loving Father” above the “starry canopy,” urging humanity to “Seek him in the heavens; / Above the stars must He dwell.” This imagery of a celestial deity reinforces the poem’s spiritual theme, suggesting that joy is a bridge between the human and the divine, encouraging reverence for a creator who unifies all existence. Through these divine references, Schiller imbues the poem with a sense of awe and aspiration, aligning joy with a higher moral and spiritual purpose.
- How does Friedrich Schiller’s use of structure and form in “Ode to Joy” enhance its thematic impact?
- Friedrich Schiller’s “Ode to Joy” employs a structured yet dynamic form to amplify its themes of joy and universal brotherhood, creating a hymn-like quality that resonates emotionally and intellectually. The poem’s five stanzas, each with a consistent rhyme scheme and rhythmic flow, mirror the orderly yet vibrant motion of the “heavenly bodies” described in the fourth stanza: “Gladly, as His heavenly bodies fly / On their courses through the heavens.” This structured progression reflects the poem’s vision of a harmonious universe unified by joy. Schiller’s use of anaphora, such as “Who has succeeded” and “Whoever has won” in the second stanza, creates a rhythmic inclusivity, reinforcing the idea that joy is accessible to all who form meaningful connections. The escalating scope—from personal relationships in the second stanza to all creatures in the third (“All creatures drink of joy / At nature’s breast”) and finally to “you millions” in the fifth—mirrors the expanding reach of joy, culminating in a cosmic embrace. The rhetorical questions in the final stanza, like “Do you fall in worship, you millions?” add a conversational urgency, engaging readers directly. This structured yet expansive form enhances the poem’s thematic impact, making it both a personal and universal call to unity and celebration.
- What is the significance of the dual titles “Ode to Joy” and “Ode to Freedom” in Friedrich Schiller’s poem, and how do they reflect its core message?
- In Friedrich Schiller’s “Ode to Joy,” also known as “Ode to Freedom” in some translations, the dual titles highlight the intertwined concepts of joy and liberation, reflecting the poem’s core message of human unity and transcendence. The title “Ode to Joy” directly aligns with the poem’s celebration of joy as a “beautiful spark of divinity” that unites “what custom strictly divided,” suggesting an emotional and spiritual liberation from societal constraints. The alternative title, “Ode to Freedom,” emphasizes the poem’s Enlightenment roots, particularly its call for breaking free from divisions, as seen in the line “All people become brothers.” This resonates with the political and social aspirations of Schiller’s time, where freedom from oppression was a revolutionary ideal. The poem’s imagery, such as “Your magics join again” and the final stanza’s embrace of “you millions,” underscores both emotional joy and the liberating power of universal brotherhood. The dual titles thus reflect the poem’s dual focus: joy as a personal, divine experience and freedom as its societal outcome, together promoting a vision of humanity united in both spirit and liberty. This duality has ensured the poem’s enduring resonance, notably in its use in Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, where it became an anthem of universal hope.
Literary Works Similar to “Ode to Freedom” aka “Ode to Joy” by Friedrich Schiller
- “Hymn to Intellectual Beauty” by Percy Bysshe Shelley: Similarity: Shelley’s poem, akin to Schiller’s “Ode to Joy,” explores a divine, intangible force (intellectual beauty) that inspires human connection and spiritual aspiration, employing vivid imagery and a reverent tone.
- “The World Is Too Much with Us” by William Wordsworth: Similarity: While more critical in tone, Wordsworth’s poem shares Schiller’s “Ode to Joy” in its longing for a deeper connection to nature and the divine, lamenting the loss of spiritual unity in modern life.
- “Ode on a Grecian Urn” by John Keats: Similarity: Keats’s ode, like Schiller’s “Ode to Joy,” uses lyrical form and vivid imagery to explore timeless ideals of beauty and truth, reflecting on humanity’s shared aspirations and eternal values.
- “To Hope” by Charlotte Smith: Similarity: Smith’s poem mirrors Schiller’s “Ode to Joy” in its personification of an abstract quality (hope) as a guiding, uplifting force, fostering emotional and spiritual unity through a lyrical, optimistic tone.
Representative Quotations of “Ode to Freedom” aka “Ode to Joy” by Friedrich Schiller
| No. | Quotation from “Ode to Freedom” by Friedrich Schiller | Context / Meaning | Theoretical Perspective (in bold) |
| 1 | “Joy, beautiful spark of divinity, Daughter from Elysium!” | The poem opens with an exalted invocation of joy as a divine force descending from paradise, symbolizing both spiritual and moral illumination. | Romantic Idealism – Emphasizes transcendence, emotion, and the divine nature of inspiration. |
| 2 | “We enter, drunk with fire, Heavenly One, thy sanctuary!” | The speaker expresses humanity’s ecstatic entry into divine communion through the transformative power of joy. | Mystical Theism – Reflects spiritual rapture and the human yearning for unity with the divine. |
| 3 | “Your magics join again what custom strictly divided.” | Schiller celebrates joy’s power to dissolve social, political, and religious boundaries, restoring natural unity. | Humanism – Advocates equality and moral harmony among all human beings. |
| 4 | “All people become brothers, where your gentle wing abides.” | This line universalizes the brotherhood of mankind, envisioning a moral community built upon love and empathy. | Enlightenment Universalism – Expresses faith in rational human unity and fraternity. |
| 5 | “Who has succeeded in the great attempt—to be a friend’s friend.” | Schiller praises genuine friendship as a sacred bond of human connection and virtue. | Existential Humanism – Values authentic relationships as sources of meaning and identity. |
| 6 | “All creatures drink of joy at nature’s breast.” | Nature is portrayed as the nurturing mother whose blessings are shared equally among all beings. | Ecocritical Humanism – Highlights nature’s moral harmony and egalitarian generosity. |
| 7 | “Just and unjust alike taste of her gift.” | This universal inclusivity affirms nature’s impartiality and divine grace beyond moral hierarchies. | Moral Philosophy / Natural Law – Suggests inherent equality and divine justice within creation. |
| 8 | “Even the worm has been granted sensuality, and the cherub stands before God!” | Schiller connects the physical and spiritual realms, asserting that every living being participates in joy. | Romantic Pantheism – Proclaims divine presence in all forms of life and consciousness. |
| 9 | “You millions, I embrace you. This kiss is for all the world!” | The poet’s impassioned embrace of humanity symbolizes universal love and collective freedom. | Cosmopolitan Humanism – Advocates global solidarity and moral interconnectedness. |
| 10 | “Brothers, above the starry canopy, there must dwell a loving Father.” | The poem culminates in a vision of divine unity and the moral order of the universe under a benevolent God. | Theological Idealism – Interprets freedom as rooted in divine love and cosmic harmony. |
Suggested Readings: “Ode to Freedom” aka “Ode to Joy” by Friedrich Schiller
- Nisbet, Hugh Barr. “10. Schiller’s ‘Ode to Joy’: A Reappraisal.” On the Literature and Thought of the German Classical Era, Open Book Publishers, 2021, pp. 239-56. Open Book Publishers, https://books.openbookpublishers.com/10.11647/obp.0180/ch10.xhtml.
- Nisbet, Hugh Barr. “10. Schiller’s ‘Ode to Joy’.” On the Literature and Thought of the German Classical Era, Open Book Publishers, 2021. OpenEdition Books, https://books.openedition.org/obp/22095?lang=en.
- McGath, Thomas. “Schiller’s Ode to Joy, and Beethoven’s.” Online Library of Liberty, Liberty Fund, 11 Apr. 2023, https://oll.libertyfund.org/publications/reading-room/2023-04-11-mcgath-schillers-ode-to-joy-and-beethovens.