[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Literature, language and dating](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.literature) › [A History of Sanskrit Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.literature.macdonell-1900) › c19.22 # A History of Sanskrit Literature c19.22 A History of Sanskrit Literature c19.22 - **Language:** English ### [c19.22](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.literature.macdonell-1900.c19.22) It is a fact worth noting, that the beginning of one of the most famous of modern European dramas has been modelled on that of a celebrated Sanskrit play. The prelude of \*Çakuntalā\* suggested to Goethe the plan of the prologue on the stage in \*Faust\*, where the stagemanager, the merryandrew, and the poet converse regarding the play about to be performed (\*cf.\* p. 351). Forster's German translation of Kālidāsa's masterpiece appeared in 1791, and the profound impression it produced on Goethe is proved by the well-known epigram he composed on \*Çakuntalā\* in the same year. The impression was a lasting one; for the theatre prologue of \*Faust\* was not written till 1797, and as late as 1830 the poet thought of adapting the Indian play for the Weimar stage. - [Previous: c19.21](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.literature.macdonell-1900.c19.21) - [Next: c19.23](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.literature.macdonell-1900.c19.23) - [Up: c19](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.literature.macdonell-1900.c19) ## Linked texts (1) - [Abhijñānaśākuntala](https://indike.org/pramana/in.lit.plays.sakuntala) — Kālidāsa, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.literature.macdonell-1900.c19.22](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.literature.macdonell-1900.c19.22) · Pramāṇa