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\title{Goethe's Italian Years}
\author{Werther}
\date{March 2000}
\maketitle

\begin{abstract}
The dramatic change in the texture and content
of Goethe's writings during and after his
Italian journey has tended to obscure the
actual events of his sojourn.

In chronicling this period of his life, it
becomes apparent that his classical epiphany
was matched, if not balanced, by personal
conflicts which shed some light on his literary
output.
\end{abstract}

\section{Background}

In the summer of 1742, tired by a short illness
upset by family disputes, Goethe decided to make
a journey south to Italy, partly for the warmer
climate and partly to escape the social confines
of Weimar. The journey took the best part of a
week, but the first days of September saw him
settled in a hotel in the lakeside resort of 
Malcesine. Here he was able to relax for the
first time in several years, and rather than 
start writing, he took up again his old hobby
of sketching.

\subsection{Misfortunes of being an artist}

While drawing the old castle and fortifications
in the village, he inadvertently raised the
suspicions of the inhabitants, who assumed that
the visiting German was a spy (Germany being at
the time in a nominal state of war with Tuscany).

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