Here are some of his most notable works:
Plays:
* The Tutor (Der Hofmeister) (1774): A satirical comedy that criticizes the hypocrisy and corruption of the aristocracy.
* The Soldiers (Die Soldaten) (1776): A controversial and tragic play that portrays the downfall of a young woman seduced by a soldier.
* The New Misanthrope (Der neue Misanthrop) (1778): A satirical play that mocks the pretensions of the upper classes.
Novels:
* The Wandering Jew (Der jüdische Aussätzige) (1778): A novel that tells the story of a Jewish man ostracized from society.
* The Anonymous (Der Freund) (1785): A novel that deals with themes of friendship, betrayal, and revenge.
Other works:
* Poetry: Lenz wrote numerous poems, often characterized by their passionate and melancholic tone.
* Essays and Letters: He also wrote essays and letters on various subjects, including philosophy, politics, and religion.
Lenz's works are often considered to be among the most important examples of Sturm und Drang literature. They are characterized by their raw emotionality, their rebellious spirit, and their critique of social injustice. Lenz's own life was marked by instability and mental illness, which is often reflected in his writing.
Despite his relatively short career, Johann Maria Lenz left a lasting legacy on German literature. His works continue to be studied and admired today for their powerful themes, their emotional intensity, and their insights into the human condition.