The Goose Herd by Hermann Sudermann
The novel revolves around the life of a young woman who returns to her rural home after being educated in the city. She becomes involved with a group of people who are struggling against the oppressive social and economic conditions of their community, leading to a confrontation with the local authorities. The story explores themes of class conflict, individual freedom, and the tension between tradition and modernity.
By Hermann Sudermann · First published 1900 · Genre: Romance, Social Commentary, Coming-of-Age · 4,457 words
First lines
My dear man, I've been listening to you now for a long while and you fill me with astonishment. You usually show -- more than I do myself -- an honest wish to take things as they are. Then whence all of a sudden, in making these nice observations of human emotions, do you draw this idealistic illusion of yours?
What this Textopian page supports
The Goose Herd is listed on Textopian as a novella by Hermann Sudermann, dated 1900 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: 1900 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romance, Social Commentary, Coming-of-Age, Drama, Historical Fiction
- Length: 4,457 words
- Structure: 1 section, 80 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Goose Herd by Hermann Sudermann
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Goose Herd?
- How does this novella by Hermann Sudermann fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romance first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Romance — The narrative centers around a childhood love story, exploring themes of first love and emotional attachment.
- Social Commentary — The story delves into class differences and societal norms, highlighting the divide between social classes.
- Coming-of-Age — The protagonist reflects on her childhood experiences and the transition from innocence to maturity.
- Drama — The emotional intensity and personal conflicts within the story contribute to its dramatic elements.
Tags
German Literature · Realism · Social Commentary · Rural Life · Family Drama · Coming of Age · Morality Tale · Class Conflict · Poverty · Exploitation · Labor Rights · Industrialization