In Goethe's letters, which are the most direct revelation of his mental and moral condition during the period, the influence of Rousseau and Sterne is visible on every page, and the fact has to be remembered in drawing any conclusions as to the real state of his mind from his language to his various correspondents.

The fashion of giving exaggerated expression to every emotion was, in fact, the convention of the day, and we find it in all the correspondence, both of the men and women of the time.

That it was in large degree forced and artificial and must be interpreted with due reserves, will appear in the case of Goethe himself.
There are three critical epochs during these Frankfort years, each marked by a central event which resulted in new developments of Goethe's character and genius.

In the period between his return to Frankfort in August, 1771, and May, 1772, was written the first draft of _Goetz von Berlichingen_, the eventual publication of which made him the most famous author in Germany.

During these months the memories of Strassburg are fresh in his mind, and the recollection of Friederike and the teaching of Herder are his chief sources of inspiration.