Beginning, and End by Paul Heyse
The narrative unfolds in a social setting where a young woman, Eugenie, finds herself in a gathering, seemingly detached from the lively atmosphere. She is approached by Valentine, a man from her past, and their conversation reveals a shared history filled with unspoken emotions and memories. Their initial interaction is marked by a mix of nostalgia and awkwardness, as they navigate the complexities of their past relationship and current circumstances. Valentine, recently returned from abroad, is under pressure from his cousin to marry one of three sisters, daughters of a local doctor. As he recounts his predicament to Eugenie, it becomes clear that their connection is still strong, despite the years apart. They reminisce about their youth, revealing the depth of their feelings for each other, which have persisted over time. Eugenie, now a widow with a son, expresses her intentions to enroll her child in school, indicating her desire to move forward in life. However, her interactions with Valentine stir up unresolved feelings, leading to a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the passage of time. The dialogue is rich with playful banter, yet it also carries an undercurrent of longing and regret. As the story progresses, Valentine proposes a plan to visit the doctor’s household, where the sisters reside, with Eugenie accompanying him under the pretense of being his betrothed. This scheme is intended to help Valentine choose a wife, but it also serves as a means for both characters to confront their feelings for one another. Their journey to the doctor’s home is filled with moments of introspection and connection, as they navigate the landscape and their emotions. Upon arrival, they are welcomed by the doctor, who is oblivious to the true nature of their relationship. The atmosphere is light-hearted, yet the tension between Valentine and Eugenie simmers beneath the surface. As the evening unfolds, the doctor’s daughters are absent, leading to a series of humorous and heartfelt exchanges between Valentine and Eugenie. They share a meal, and the conversation flows easily, revealing their deepening bond. However, the absence of the sisters looms over the evening, as Valentine grapples with his impending decision regarding marriage. The narrative culminates in a moment of vulnerability, where Valentine and Eugenie confront their feelings for each other. The tension reaches a peak as they share a kiss, symbolizing the rekindling of their romance. The story concludes with a sense of hope and renewal, as they decide to embrace their feelings and embark on a new chapter together, leaving behind the constraints of their past. Overall, the work explores themes of love, memory, and the complexities of human relationships, set against a backdrop of societal expectations and personal desires. The characters’ journey reflects the universal struggle to reconcile the past with the present, ultimately leading to a poignant resolution.
By Paul Heyse · First published 1903 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Drama · 16,172 words
First lines
In the deep bay window of an otherwise brilliantly lighted saloon, a single candle, supported by the arms of a winged figure in chased silver, shed its faint lustre.
This soft shade was increased by broad-leaved plants, the last blossoms of the season, and by a slender palm-tree whose delicate branches arched gracefully above the entrance of this dusky bower. Two chairs stood beside each other in the background, inviting to repose, out only one of them was occupied.
What this Textopian page supports
Beginning, and End is listed on Textopian as a novella by Paul Heyse, dated 1903 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Paul Heyse
- Date: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Drama, Historical Fiction, Romance
- Length: 16,172 words
- Structure: 1 section, 248 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Beginning, and End by Paul Heyse
- 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 Beginning, and End?
- How does this novella by Paul Heyse fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Literary Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Quest by Pio Baroja
- Le Penseur by Olive Tilford Dargan
- The Swineherd by James Baldwin
- Lottka by Paul Heyse
- Herman Altman by Edgar Lee Masters
- The Portrait by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Literary Fiction — The book explores deep themes of existence, identity, and the human condition, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Philosophical Fiction — It delves into philosophical questions about beginnings and endings, reflecting on life's cyclical nature.
- Drama — The narrative likely contains dramatic elements that focus on character development and emotional conflicts.
- Historical Fiction — If set in a specific historical context, it may incorporate historical events or figures to enhance its themes.
Tags
Philosophical Fiction · Existentialism · German Literature · 19th Century Novel · Psychological Insight · Moral Ambiguity · Human Condition · Identity Crisis · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Social Commentary · Critique of Society