The Purpose by Hermann Sudermann

Name: The Purpose
Author: Hermann Sudermann

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 group of intellectuals and artists, but their ideals and values are challenged when she falls in love with a man from a lower social class. As she navigates this complex web of relationships, she must confront the societal norms that govern her life and decide where her true loyalties lie. The novel explores themes of love, class, and identity, raising questions about the nature of morality and the human condition. The protagonist's journey is marked by a series of intense emotional experiences, including a tragic event that forces her to re-evaluate her priorities and make difficult choices. Through her story, the novel offers a nuanced portrayal of the social and cultural tensions of the time period.

By Hermann Sudermann · First published 1908 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Romance, Coming-of-Age · 8 chapters · 15,508 words

First lines

It was a blazing afternoon, late in July. The Cheruskan fraternity entered Ellerntal in celebration of their mid-summer festivity. They had let the great wagon stand at the outskirts of the village and now marched up its street in well-formed procession, proud and vain as a company of _Schuetzen_ before whom all the world bows down once a year.

What this Textopian page supports

The Purpose is listed on Textopian as a novella by Hermann Sudermann, dated 1908 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: 1908 CE
Language: English
Genres: Literary Fiction, Romance, Coming-of-Age, Drama, Historical Fiction
Length: 15,508 words
Structure: 8 chapters, 331 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Purpose by Hermann Sudermann
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Purpose?
How does this novella by Hermann Sudermann fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Literary Fiction — The book explores complex themes of love, ambition, and societal expectations through detailed character development and introspective narrative.
Romance — The central plot revolves around the romantic relationship between Toni and Robert, highlighting their emotional struggles and commitments.
Coming-of-Age — The protagonist, Toni, undergoes significant personal growth and maturation throughout the story, reflecting the challenges of youth and love.
Drama — The narrative is filled with intense emotional conflicts and dramatic situations that drive the characters' decisions and relationships.