On 2014 Nov 14, Arthur Kummer commented:

This is an interesting perspective, although a "strictly" literary one seem more appropriate. Göethe certainly met some hyperactive children, considering the universality of the phenomenon, but definition of the disorder (i.e.: ADHD, hyperkinectic disorder etc.) suffers strong cultural influence. Thus, he may have described a hyperactive children, but not necessarily a children with ADHD. Sometimes, there is a huge difference between a phenomenon and our interpretation of it. From a literary point of view, some myths say Euphorion was the child born of the spirits of Achilles and Helen. He had perfect form and face, being the combination of beauty (Helen) and courage (Achilles). It is pretty interesting to see how Göethe creates a parallel between Faust and Achilles. Here, Euphorion is pure poetry, the combination of beauty (Helen) and the highest intellect (Faust). Indeed, Goethe described Euphorion as the "spirit of poesy", and the chorus later calls him "poesy pure" (9863), so we must also consider him from this perspective. His liveliness is pure poetry, and probably not a pathological case.

On 2014 Nov 14, Arthur Kummer commented:

This is an interesting perspective, although a "strictly" literary one seem more appropriate. Göethe certainly met some hyperactive children, considering the universality of the phenomenon, but definition of the disorder (i.e.: ADHD, hyperkinectic disorder etc.) suffers strong cultural influence. Thus, he may have described a hyperactive children, but not necessarily a children with ADHD. Sometimes, there is a huge difference between a phenomenon and our interpretation of it. From a literary point of view, some myths say Euphorion was the child born of the spirits of Achilles and Helen. He had perfect form and face, being the combination of beauty (Helen) and courage (Achilles). It is pretty interesting to see how Göethe creates a parallel between Faust and Achilles. Here, Euphorion is pure poetry, the combination of beauty (Helen) and the highest intellect (Faust). Indeed, Goethe described Euphorion as the "spirit of poesy", and the chorus later calls him "poesy pure" (9863), so we must also consider him from this perspective. His liveliness is pure poetry, and probably not a pathological case.