Bahnwärter Thiel
Hauptmann, Gerhart
"Bahnwärter Thiel" by Gerhart Hauptmann is a novella written in the late 19th century." The story revolves around the life of Thiel, a railway worker, who navigates the struggles of love, loss, and domestic strife following the death of his first wife and his subsequent marriage to a domineering second wife, Lene. As he grapples with his responsibilities and personal turmoil, the novella explores deeper themes of despair, the human condition, and the struggle for identity amidst relational chaos.  "The opening of "Bahnwärter Thiel" introduces us to the titular character, Thiel, a dedicated railway worker living in Neu-Zittau." On Sundays, he attends church, though it becomes clear that he is deeply affected by the death of his first wife and the challenges of raising his son, Tobias. Thiel's second marriage is marked by dissatisfaction, as Lene's domineering nature and harsh temper overshadow their domestic life. The narrative quickly portrays Thiel's descent into a life of increasing emotional struggle, punctuated by moments of quiet reflection and mystical connections to his deceased wife. This introduction effectively sets up the psychological landscape of the characters while foreshadowing the tragic events to come. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
German fiction -- 19th century
Category: German Literature Category: Novels DE Prosa Nobel Prizes in Literature