Michael Kohlhaas
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Michael Kohlhaas is an 1811 novella by Heinrich von Kleist, based on a 16th century story of Hans Kohlhase.
The story was influential on E. L. Doctorow's 1975 novel "Ragtime", which uses similar plot elements and has a protagonist named "Coalhouse Walker". The Jack Bull film was partially based on this book.
[edit] Background
The historical background of Michael Kohlhaas dates back to the 16th century. Kohlhaas wanted to launch a military campaign to right wrongs he suffered at the hands of authorities. Kleist turned this story into a short story in which he dramatized the confrontation between the ideal world and reality. Kohlhaas sees himself as a victim of this confrontation.
[edit] Political background
In Prussia around 1800 defeats in conflicts with Napoleon as well as domestic squabbles regarding the approach of German nobility to Napoleon caused considerable political unrest.
Kleist clearly opposed France and his position was determined by the necessity for reform. He expressed his position about justice vis a vis requirements of the political system in the person of Kolhaas, thus avoiding being suspected himself of political agitation.
[edit] Content
The Brandenburg horse dealer Michael Kohlhaas is leading a team of horses in the direction of Saxony when an official of Squire Wenzel von Tronka detains him, claiming that he does not have proper transit papers. The official demands that Kohlhaas leave two horses as tribute.
In Dresden (Saxony) Kohlhaas discovers that this tribute was totally arbitrary, and proceeds to demand return of his horses. When he arrives at the castle of Squire Wenzel he discovers that the horses have been suffering from working in the fields and his hired man, who protested against the mistreatment of the horses, has been beaten.
Kohlhaas sues the Squire for the cost of medical treatment of his hired man and for rehabilitation of his horses. After one year he finds that the suit was turned down through political influence of the Squire's relatives.
Kohhaas persists in demanding his rights. In spite of support of a friendly politician and personal engagement of his wife (who is struck down by a guard in her attempt to deliver a petition to the Governor of Saxony and later dies of her injuries), he remains unsuccessful.
Since the administrative "old boys' club" prevents any progress through legal channels, Kohlhaas resorts to criminal means. He begins a private war. Together with seven men he destroys the castle of the Squire, who in the meantime has fled to Wittenberg. Together with his growing "army" (really a mob), he descends on Wittenberg, demanding the Squire. In spite of numerous attacks of his 500-man army on Wittenberg he fails to secure the Squire.
Through personal intervention of Martin Luther an amnesty is arranged, whereby the Governor (Kurfürst of Saxony) approves the suit against the Squire. But the Squire again activates his influential family and Kohlhaas is thrown into a dungeon in Brandenburg.
The Governor of Brandenburg manages to have Kohlhaas released, but since in the meantime Saxony has informed the Kaiser in Vienna, the ruling families in Berlin feel this threat to the authority of the aristocracy must be handled with severity. In spite of surprising efforts of the Governor of Saxony to save Kohlhaas, he is sentenced to death. Later it turns out that Kohlhaas has on his person papers that contain important information about the House of Saxony.
As Kolhaas is led to execution, he sees in the crowd the disguised Governor of Saxony. He eats the document and offers no further protest. Just before being beheaded he sees his well-fed horses and realizes that the suit against the Squire has long since been settled.
