Goethe has told in detail the history of this invasion of the quiet household--the never-failing courtesy and considerateness of Thoranc, the abiding ill-humour of the father, the reconciling offices of the mother, exercised in vain to effect a mutual understanding between her husband and his unwelcome guest.

As for Goethe himself, devoted to Frederick though he was, the presence of the French introduced him to a new world into which he entered with boyish delight.

With the insatiable curiosity which was his characteristic throughout life, he threw himself into the pleasures and avocations of the novel society.

Thoranc was a connoisseur in art, and gave frequent commissions to the artists of the town; and Goethe, already interested in art through his father's collections, found his opportunity in these tastes of Thoranc, who was struck by the boy's precocity and even took hints from his suggestions.
A theatre set up by the French was another source of pleasure and stimulus.

The sight of the pieces that were acted prompted him to compose pieces of his own and led him to the study of the French classical drama.