Autumn by Hermann Sudermann (1906)
The novel revolves around the life of a young woman who returns to her hometown after being away for several years. She becomes involved with a local man and they begin an affair, but their social differences make it difficult for them to be together openly. The story explores themes of love, class, and societal expectations in a small German town during the late 19th century.
By Hermann Sudermann · First published 1906 · Genre: Realism, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary · 4 chapters · 10,877 words
First lines
It was on a sunny afternoon in October. Human masses streamed through the alleys of the _Tiergarten_. With the desperate passion of an ageing woman who feels herself about to be deserted, the giant city received the last caresses of summer. A dotted throng that was not unlike the chaos of the _Champs Elysees_, filled the broad, gray road that leads to Charlottenburg.
What this Textopian page supports
Autumn is listed on Textopian as a novella by Hermann Sudermann, dated 1906 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Hermann Sudermann
- Date: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Realism, Psychological Fiction, Social Commentary, Drama, Romance
- Length: 10,877 words
- Structure: 4 chapters, 273 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Autumn by Hermann Sudermann
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Autumn?
- How does this novella by Hermann Sudermann fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Realism first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Realism — The narrative focuses on detailed depictions of everyday life and the psychological depth of characters, typical of realist literature.
- Psychological Fiction — The story delves deeply into the inner thoughts and emotional struggles of the protagonist, exploring themes of existential ennui and personal relationships.
- Social Commentary — The text critiques societal norms and the superficiality of social interactions, reflecting on the emptiness of high society life.
- Drama — The narrative is driven by intense personal conflicts and emotional tension, characteristic of dramatic literature.
Tags
Tragic · Drama · German Literature · Realism · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · Family Dynamics · Marriage · Love Triangle · Betrayal · Deception · Secrets
Contents
- CHAPTER I
- CHAPTER II
- CHAPTER III
- CHAPTER IV