Antique reminiscences in German legend “Poor Henrich” written by H. Hauptman

H. Hauptmann’s work “Poor Henrich” is the work of the modern time. One of the characteristic features of the modernist style is a splash of the antique worldview reflected in the play. Hauptmann is attracted by the antique idea of formation and “Sunny religion” connected with that idea. In his play, the outside line of the work is closely connected with the inside line. The girl Ottecheb is ready to sacrifice herself, to die in order to save Henrich who is dying of leprosy in great sufferings. Henrich is engulfed by inner flames when he hears the girl’s moans and cries.. He realizes at this time that the girl should not die or sacrifice herself. The outside and inside lines are closely connected. This connection is determined by the process of his soul’s renovation and by the poetically presented image of “Fire”. The “Fire” is a symbol (natural attribute) of “Sunny religion”. It determines the movement of the soul to the “Light”. It helps Henrich’s insight. Those, who are ready to sacrifice themselves for the sake of the others, deserve life, recovery, and happiness.