Hermann and Dorothea

Hermann and Dorothea

The novel revolves around the lives of Hermann and Dorothea, two young people from different social classes who fall in love despite their families' opposition. The story takes place during the French Revolutionary Wars and explores themes of class, morality, and personal freedom. Hermann, a young man from a wealthy family, is torn between his loyalty to his family's values and his desire for Dorothea, a poor but virtuous woman. Meanwhile, Dorothea struggles with her own sense of identity and purpose in a society that restricts her opportunities. As the novel progresses, Hermann and Dorothea face numerous challenges, including poverty, illness, and personal tragedy. Through their experiences, Goethe explores the tensions between individual desire and social responsibility, ultimately presenting a nuanced and thought-provoking portrayal of life during this tumultuous period in European history. The novel's themes are characterized by a sense of realism and a focus on the everyday lives of ordinary people, rather than grand heroic actions. The narrative is driven by Hermann and Dorothea's emotional journeys, as they navigate the complexities of love, family, and social expectation.

By Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe · First published 1802 · Genre: Epic Poetry, Romanticism, Philosophical Literature · 9 chapters · 27,712 words

First lines

"Truly, I never have seen the market and street so deserted! How as if it were swept looks the town, or had perished! Not fifty Are there, methinks, of all our inhabitants in it remaining, What will not curiosity do! here is every one running, Hurrying to gaze on the sad procession of pitiful exiles. Fully a league it must be to the causeway they have to pass over, Yet all are hurrying down in the dusty heat of the noonday. I, in good sooth, would not stir from my place to witness the sorrows Borne by good, fugitive people, who now, with their rescued possessions, Driven, alas! from beyond the Rhine, their beautiful country, Over to us are coming, and through the prosperous corner Roam of this our luxuriant valley, and traverse its windings. Well hast thou done, good wife, our son in thus kindly dispatching, Laden with something to eat and to drink, and with store of old linen, 'Mongst the poor folk to distribute; for giving belongs to the wealthy. How the youth drives, to be sure! What control he has over the horses! Makes not our carriage a handsome appearance, -- the new one? With comfort, Four could be seated within, with a place on the box for the coachman. This time, he drove by himself. How lightly it rolled round the corner! " Thus, as he sat at his ease in the porch of his house on the market, Unto his wife was speaking mine host of the Golden Lion.

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Romance · Novel · German Literature · 18th Century · Coming-of-Age · Social Commentary · Class Conflict · Love Story · Family Drama · Poetic Prose · Realism · Idealism

Contents

More by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe