The Wish by Hermann Sudermann (1903)

A young woman's life is turned upside down when she discovers a mysterious wish that has been made on her behalf by an unknown person. The wish is granted, but with unintended and far-reaching consequences that challenge the woman's values and relationships. As she navigates the aftermath of the wish, she must confront the complexities of human nature and the true cost of getting what one desires.

By Hermann Sudermann · First published 1903 · Genre: Drama, Psychological Fiction, Realism · 9 chapters · 80,687 words

First lines

Since the beginning of time men have been accustomed to regard the end of a century as a period of decadence. The waning nineteenth century is no more fortunate than its predecessors. We are continually being invited to speculate on the signs around us of decay in politics, in religion, in art, in the whole social fabric. It is not for us to inquire here concerning the truth or the ethics of that belief. But, as far as literature is concerned, it is very certain that the last years of the present century will be remembered for the extraordinary talent shown by a few young novelists and dramatists in most of the countries of Europe. In England, we can point to Mr. Rudyard Kipling and Mr. J. M. Barrie; in France, to M. Paul Margueritte and M. Marcel Prevost; in Belgium, to M. Maurice Maeterlinck; in Germany, to Gerhard Hauptmann, Ludwig Fulda, and Hermann Sudermann.

What this Textopian page supports

The Wish is listed on Textopian as a novel by Hermann Sudermann, dated 1903 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

• Work type: Novel
• Author: Hermann Sudermann
• Date: 1903 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Drama, Psychological Fiction, Realism, Tragedy
• Length: 80,687 words
• Structure: 9 chapters, 1,433 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for The Wish 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 The Wish?
• How does this novel by Hermann Sudermann fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
• Where does Drama first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

• Regina by Hermann Sudermann
• The Song Of Death by Hermann Sudermann
• Autumn by Hermann Sudermann
• The Indian Lily by Hermann Sudermann
• The Little One by Guy De Maupassant
• The Deserted Woman by Honore De Balzac

Genres

• Drama — The narrative focuses on intense emotional and moral conflicts, characteristic of dramatic literature.
• Psychological Fiction — The story delves deeply into the psychological motivations and inner lives of the characters.
• Realism — The book portrays realistic characters and situations, emphasizing everyday life and social issues.
• Tragedy — The plot involves tragic elements and themes of human suffering and downfall.

Tags

Tragic Drama · German Literature · Realism · Social Commentary · Family Conflict · Marriage · Love Triangle · Deception · Betrayal · Guilt · Shame · Class Struggle

Contents

• Introduction
• CHAPTER I
• CHAPTER II
• CHAPTER III
• CHAPTER IV
• CHAPTER V
• CHAPTER VI
• CHAPTER VII
• CHAPTER VIII

More by Hermann Sudermann

• Las bodas de Yolanda (1892)
• El Molino silencioso (1888)
• Dame Care (1907)
• The Indian Lily (1904)
• The Purpose (1908)
• The Song of Death (1902)
• The Victim (1907)
• Autumn (1906)
• All works by Hermann Sudermann