Final answer:
Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 is based on Friedrich Schiller's poem 'Ode to Joy,' which embodies the ideals of the Romantic period, such as unity and emotional expression. The poem is a testament to Romanticism through its traditional poetic elements alongside modernist influences, symbolizing universal brotherhood.
Step-by-step explanation:
Ludwig van Beethoven's Symphony No. 9 is famously based on the poem "Ode to Joy" (An die Freude in German) by the poet Friedrich Schiller. Written in 1785, Schiller's poem is a manifesto of the Romantic period, celebrating the brotherhood and unity of all mankind. The poem reflects Romantic values through its emphasis on emotional expression and the inherent goodness of human nature.
Looking at the language and structure, we can still find traditional poetic elements such as rhythm, rhyme, and meter. Yet, the poem also contains early traces of modernist ideas, challenging the classical formalism by shifting the focus to more personal and expressive content. The indentations seen in lines five and nine of each stanza, for example, create a visual and rhythmic impact that contributes to the overall emotional and poetic effect.
The poem is addressed to humanity at large, urging people to join in a universal chorus of brotherhood. This universal address is key to the theme of unity and reflects the Romantic period's idealism and moral values. Symbols like the loom, the river, and an island, which are commonly found in poetry, are interpreted within the context of the poem as symbols of creation, life's journey, and individuality amidst unity, respectively.