Georg Trakl

Date of Birth: February 3, 1887

Zodiac Sign: Aquarius

Date of Death: November 3, 1914

Biography

Georg Trakl was an Austrian poet and a significant figure in early 20th-century literature, known for his expressionist and symbolist works. Born on February 3, 1887, in Salzburg, Austria, Trakl grew up in a family of seven children. His father, Tobias Trakl, was a successful ironmonger, and his mother, Maria Catharina Halik, was known for her reclusive nature and dependency on drugs. Trakl showed an early interest in literature and began writing poetry during his teenage years. In 1905, he moved to Vienna to study pharmacy, a profession that would give him access to the drugs that would later affect his mental health. His time in Vienna also exposed him to the vibrant cultural scene, influencing his literary style. His first published poem appeared in 1908 in the journal “Der Ruf,” and he quickly gained recognition for his dark, haunting imagery and themes of decay, death, and despair. Trakl’s works often reflect his troubled psyche, exacerbated by his addiction to drugs and his experiences during World War I, where he served as a medic. The war deeply affected him, and he struggled with depression and a sense of hopelessness. Tragically, Trakl’s life was cut short when he died of a cocaine overdose on November 3, 1914, in a military hospital in Krakow. Despite his brief career, Georg Trakl left a lasting impact on the world of poetry, and his works continue to be studied and admired for their emotional depth and stylistic innovation.

5 Interesting Facts about Georg Trakl

1. Georg Trakl was deeply influenced by the works of Arthur Rimbaud and Charles Baudelaire.

2. He often used vivid and haunting imagery in his poetry, reflecting his inner turmoil and the horrors of war.

3. Trakl’s sister, Grete, was also a talented musician and had a significant, albeit complex, influence on his life and work.

4. He struggled with drug addiction for much of his adult life, which influenced both his personal and professional life.

5. Despite his struggles, Trakl’s work was highly regarded by his contemporaries, including the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein, who admired his poetry.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Georg Trakl

1. “The dark shadows of the night have taken my soul. I am lost in a forest of despair.”

2. “Decay and death are the only certainties in this world of illusion and pain.”

3. “In the silence, the soul finds its truest expression.”

4. “The beauty of the world is but a fleeting illusion, a mirage of hope in a desert of despair.”

5. “Only in the depths of darkness does the true light of the soul emerge.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Georg Trakl did not achieve significant financial wealth during his lifetime. His highest net worth is not well-documented, but he lived modestly and struggled financially.