The White Egbert
The story revolves around a young nobleman who becomes infatuated with an old woman's daughter, but she rejects him due to his lack of social standing and wealth. He then sets out on a journey to prove himself worthy of her love by acquiring wealth and status. He meets a mysterious figure who claims to be able to grant him the power to win the girl's heart in exchange for his soul. The young nobleman agrees, but soon realizes that he has made a terrible mistake as he is unable to control the powers granted to him. The story explores themes of love, class, and the corrupting influence of power.
By Johann Ludwig Tieck · First published 1795 · Genre: Romanticism, Fantasy, Gothic Fiction · 8,929 words
First lines
High up in the Hartz Mountains there lived in a castle a knight who was known by the name of the White Egbert. He was about forty years old, rather below the middle height; and he obtained his name from the quantity of short, smooth, white hair which covered his pale haggard cheeks. He lived a peaceable retired life, never involved in feuds with his neighbours; indeed, he was seldom seen beyond the walls of his small castle. His wife loved quiet as much as he; they were passionately attached to each other; and their only cause of sorrow was that Heaven had not blessed their union with children.
What this Textopian page supports
The White Egbert is listed on Textopian as a novella by Johann Ludwig Tieck, dated 1795 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Johann Ludwig Tieck
- Date: 1795 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romanticism, Fantasy, Gothic Fiction, Bildungsroman, Fairy Tale
- Length: 8,929 words
- Structure: 1 section, 71 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The White Egbert by Johann Ludwig Tieck
- 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 White Egbert?
- How does this novella by Johann Ludwig Tieck fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Romanticism first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Runenberg by Johann Ludwig Tieck
- The Elves by Johann Ludwig Tieck
- The Brothers by Johann Ludwig Tieck
- The Friends by Johann Ludwig Tieck
- The Old Man Of The Mountain by Johann Ludwig Tieck
- Master Flea by E. T. A. Hoffmann
Genres
- Romanticism — The work explores deep emotional experiences, individualism, and the beauty of nature, characteristic of Romantic literature.
- Fantasy — Elements of magic, mythical creatures, and a fantastical narrative structure are present throughout the story.
- Gothic Fiction — The setting includes a castle, themes of isolation, and psychological horror, aligning with Gothic conventions.
- Bildungsroman — The protagonist undergoes significant personal growth and self-discovery, typical of coming-of-age narratives.
Tags
German Literature · Romanticism · Fantasy · Adventure · Coming-of-Age · Mystery · Supernatural · Fairy Tale · Mythology · Symbolism · Psychological Insight · Social Commentary