Heinrich von Kleist had been arrested by the French as a spy on a journey to Dresden in 1807, and had remained a close prisoner of France in the Fort de Joux.

On regaining his liberty, he had proceeded to Dresden, where, in conjunction with Adam Heinrich Müller (1779–1829), he publishes the journal Phöbus in 1808.

The material for Kleist's second tragedy, second, Penthesilea (1808), queen of the Amazons, is taken from a Greek source and presents a picture of wild passion.

More successful than either of these was is romantic play, Käthchen of Heilbronn (Das Käthchen von Heilbronn) (1808), a poetic drama full of medieval bustle and mystery, which will retained its popularity for many years.

In comedy, Kleist makes a name with The Broken Jug (Der zerbrochne Krug) (1808), while Amphitryon (1808), an adaptation of Molière's comedy, will receive critical acclaim long after his death.