Although her most important writings came late in life, Annette von Droste-Hülshoff’s poetry and prose—often compared to Goethe’s—have assured her a place among Germany’s great 19th-century writers. This program visits Castle Hülshoff, her Westphalian birthplace; the Rüchhaus; and Meersburg Castle on Lake Constance, where she experienced her period of greatest productivity. Aspects of her life, such as her need for solitude amid nature, and the qualities of isolation, melancholy, reverie, and longing inherent in her writing are discussed. A Deutsche Welle production. (30 minutes)