Author
Gerhart Hauptmann
1862-1946
Gerhart Hauptmann (1862-1946) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Gerhart Hauptmann
Bahnwärter Thiel
"Bahnwärter Thiel" by Gerhart Hauptmann is a novella written in 1887 and published in 1888. This naturalist work follows Thiel, a dutiful railway watchman haunted by his first wife's death. When his domineering second wife mistreats his son Tobias, Thiel retreats into visions while struggling between loyalty and guilt. His isolated world begins to fracture when family life invades his sacred workspace, setting in motion a devastating chain of events that will test the boundaries of his increasingly fragile mind.
Vor Sonnenaufgang: Soziales Drama
"Vor Sonnenaufgang: Soziales Drama" by Gerhart Hauptmann is a social drama written in 1889. The play depicts a wealthy farming family's descent into alcoholism and decay after discovering coal on their land. Helene, the only daughter educated away from home, suffers in this environment until a visiting economist arrives to study local workers. Their developing romance faces a devastating obstacle when he discovers her family's alcoholism, believing it hereditary. The work marked the breakthrough of naturalism in German theater.
Atlantis
"Atlantis" by Gerhart Hauptmann is a novel written in the early 20th century. This work unfolds the journey of Frederick von Kammacher, a physician whose life is filled with turmoil and regret as he embarks on a steamer bound for America. As he grapples with his troubled past, including the deteriorating state of his marriage and the looming death of a close friend, the story examines themes of passion, loss, and the quest for new beginnings. At the start of the novel, we meet Frederick on the German fast mail steamer, "Roland". In a flurry of activity sparked by a telegram, he manages to board the ship for his transatlantic journey filled with unease and introspection. As he waits for the ship at the port, he reflects on a heart-wrenching letter from his dying friend, George, while contemplating his own failures and obsessions. The arrival on the ship marks the beginning of his emotional turmoil, as he encounters people from his past and an unnamed passion that complicates his journey, particularly revolving around a talented young dancer, Ingigerd Hahlström. As Frederick navigates his feelings and the complexities of the relationships forming around him, the voyage transforms into a poignant exploration of human desires and the consequences of one's choices.
Die Ratten: Berliner Tragikomödie
"Die Ratten: Berliner Tragikomödie" by Gerhart Hauptmann is a drama premiered in 1911. Set in a decaying Berlin tenement, the play interweaves two contrasting stories: a desperate cleaning woman who buys a baby to replace her dead child, spiraling into tragedy when the birth mother has regrets, and a pompous theater director who preaches classical ideals while betraying them. This naturalist work critiques wilhelminian society by contrasting the existential struggles of the poor with the hollow pretensions of the bourgeoisie.
The Dramatic Works of Gerhart Hauptmann, Volume I
"The Dramatic Works of Gerhart Hauptmann, Volume I" by Gerhart Hauptmann is a collection of plays written during the late 19th century. This volume includes a meticulous selection of Hauptmann's significant social dramas, which explore the lives and struggles of ordinary people, particularly the working class in Silesia. The plays delve into themes of social injustice, class conflict, and the human condition, reflecting the playwright's deep social consciousness and artistic vision. The beginning of this volume introduces the playwright through a preface by Ludwig Lewisohn, detailing Hauptmann's biography, literary influences, and the significance of his work. Following this, the first act of "Before Dawn" unfolds in a rural setting, showcasing a lowly farmer's household. The scene introduces various characters including Krause, his family, and guests, revealing their interactions and social dynamics. Central to the dialogue is the presence of Alfred Loth, an idealistic engineer, who embodies the themes of disillusionment and the pursuit of social progress amid the challenges posed by both personal and societal constraints. This opening effectively sets the stage for Hauptmann's exploration of complex human relationships against the backdrop of a changing society.
Das Friedensfest : $b Eine Familienkatastrophe
"Das Friedensfest: Eine Familienkatastrophe" by Gerhart Hauptmann is a play written in 1889. On Christmas Eve in the 1880s, a severely dysfunctional family attempts reconciliation when the long-absent father returns home gravely ill. As estranged siblings and their bitter parents gather under one roof, old wounds resurface and tensions explode. What begins as a hopeful reunion spirals into devastating conflict, revealing the deep fractures that have torn this family apart for years.
Griechischer Frühling
"Griechischer Frühling" by Gerhart Hauptmann is a fictional work written in the early 20th century. The book appears to be a travel narrative that explores themes of nature, artistry, and the personal journey of the protagonist, who seems inspired by classical Greek culture. The narrative hints at the author's anticipated exploration of Greece and its historical resonance along with personal reflections and poetic observations. At the start of the narrative, the protagonist is aboard a ship bound for Greece, feeling both anticipation and introspection. The opening describes the journey from Trieste, detailing the natural beauty of the landscape and the emotions stirred by the voyage. As the ship navigates through various coastal scenes, the character reflects on literature, particularly the "Odyssey," while contemplating the significance of the landscape they are traversing. The protagonist's perception gradually shifts from mundane discomforts of sea travel to an emerging sense of wonder, culminating in a deep longing and connection to the land they are approaching, setting the tone for a profound exploration of Greece's cultural and natural splendor.
Gabriel Schillings Flucht: Drama
"Gabriel Schillings Flucht: Drama" by Gerhart Hauptmann is a dramatic work written in the early 20th century. The play unfolds around the characters in an isolated coastal setting on the island of Fischmeisters Oye, where themes of love, artistic struggle, and the conflict between personal desires and societal expectations come to the forefront. The main character, Gabriel Schilling, a painter, navigates complex emotional relationships, particularly with his wife Eveline and his former lover Hanna Elias, as he grapples with his artistic identity and the pressures of life. The opening of the play sets a vivid scene on the beach with the arrival of various characters, including Lucie Heil and Professor Mäurer, who engage in light-hearted banter about the beauty of the island and the impending arrival of Gabriel Schilling. As these conversations unfold, hints of deeper issues start to emerge, notably Gabriel's internal struggles and the complicated history with Hanna. The dialogue introduces the dynamics between these individuals, setting the stage for the exploration of Gabriel's crisis as an artist and the impact of his relationships with the women in his life. This prologue establishes both a serene and tension-filled atmosphere that invites the audience to delve into the conflicts that will arise throughout the drama.
Hannele: 2-näytöksinen unirunoelma
"Hannele: 2-näytöksinen unirunoelma" by Gerhart Hauptmann is a play written in 1893. The work tells the story of a neglected and abused peasant child who, on her deathbed, experiences a vision of divine powers welcoming her into the afterlife. Blending naturalistic drama with symbolist elements, the play features dream sequences and marks a historic first in world literature by centering a child as its heroine. Hauptmann received the Grillparzer Prize in 1896 for this groundbreaking work.
The Dramatic Works of Gerhart Hauptmann, Volume II
"The Dramatic Works of Gerhart Hauptmann, Volume II" by Gerhart Hauptmann is a collection of social dramas written in the early 20th century. This volume focuses on the intricate relationships among its characters, who are deeply influenced by their social environment and the socio-economic conditions of the times. Hauptmann's work often highlights the challenges of life, the injustices tied to social class, and the struggles faced by ordinary individuals, which is evident in the characters of these plays. At the start of this volume, the introduction sets the stage for Hauptmann's exploration of social issues through the lens of his characters' conflicts and interactions. The first play featured, "Drayman Henschel," opens in a modest room where Henschel's wife lies ill, revealing the thematic elements of hardship and familial duty. The opening scenes introduce Hanne, a maid, and Franz, a coachman, who discuss their unsatisfactory lives, setting a tone that blends personal struggles with the oppressive nature of their environment. As tension mounts between the characters – from Henschel’s distress over his wife's health to Hanne’s ambitions – the stage is set for a deeper examination of the characters’ lives and the social commentary that Hauptmann weaves throughout the narratives.
The coming of peace (A family catastrophe)
"The Coming of Peace: A Family Catastrophe" by Gerhart Hauptmann is a modern play likely written in the late 19th century. This work focuses on the complex and tumultuous interactions within the Scholz family as they prepare for a Christmas gathering, revealing their internal struggles and relational tensions. The play delves into themes of familial strife, reconciliation, and the heavy burdens of the past that each character must navigate. The opening of the play introduces us to a fraught Christmas Eve at the Scholz family home. Characters such as Mrs. Scholz, who portrays an anxious and restless mother, and Dr. Fritz Scholz, a father burdened by his past, set the tone for a gathering clouded by unresolved tensions. There is an impending arrival of the couple’s estranged son, William, alongside his siblings who exhibit a mix of emotions ranging from excitement to dread. As each character interacts, their distinct personalities and grievances surface, hinting at a deeper family conflict that has led to years of estrangement. The scene is rich with tension, foreshadowing the emotional turmoil and potential for reconciliation that will unfold as the story progresses.
Soanan kerettiläinen
"Soanan kerettiläinen" by Gerhart Hauptmann is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds in the picturesque region of Soana, Switzerland, where we are introduced to a mysterious mountain shepherd known as "Soanan kerettiläinen," who possesses an enigmatic past, earning both superstition and respect from the local villagers. The narrative promises to explore themes of isolation, nature, and the tension between traditional beliefs and modernity. At the start of the novel, we meet travelers seeking to hike Monte Generoso, encountering a distinctive shepherd with a profound yet mysterious demeanor. Locals regard him with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation, and as the protagonist recalls his initial meeting with the shepherd, he becomes intrigued by Ludovico’s unconventional lifestyle and rumored knowledge of nature. This opening section sets the stage for deeper explorations of character, philosophy, and the potential collision of differing worldviews as the protagonist resolves to learn more about the shepherd's life and the hidden narrative he is said to possess.
Der Ketzer von Soana
"Der Ketzer von Soana" by Gerhart Hauptmann is a novella written between 1911-1917. A young ascetic priest named Francesco Vela arrives at his first parish in the Italian Swiss mountains. When he encounters a remote family living in supposed incest, he meets their beautiful fifteen-year-old daughter Agata, a goatherd. Francesco becomes increasingly obsessed with the girl, torn between his religious vows and overwhelming desire. His mounting inner turmoil threatens to destroy everything he has dedicated his life to.
Kankurit : $b 5-näytöksinen näytelmä 1840-luvulta
"Kankurit : 5-näytöksinen näytelmä 1840-luvulta" by Gerhart Hauptmann is a play written in the late 19th century. Set among Silesian weavers in the 1840s, it portrays crushing poverty, factory exploitation, and the mounting pressure toward collective defiance. The drama contrasts the hard-nosed mill owner Dreisziger and his agent Pfeifer with weavers like Baumert, Bäcker, Reimann, Heiber, and Ansorge, along with their families. The opening of the play unfolds in Dreisziger’s cloth-receiving room, where Pfeifer nitpicks faults, docks pay, and refuses advances as gaunt weavers wait in fear; Bäcker openly defies the boss, a starving child collapses, and Dreisziger delivers a self-justifying lecture before wages are cut further. At the start of the second act, in Ansorge’s squalid hut, the Baumert family weaves in exhaustion, a neighbor despairs of her nine children, and we learn they have even slaughtered their dog for food; ex-soldier Jäger arrives, drinks, and recites the fierce “Verituomio” verses that inflame their anger. The third act opens in a tavern, where townspeople argue over the weavers’ plight and the truth of official reports; Bäcker and Jäger enter with a crowd, bruised and singing the seditious song, and despite scoffing by others, the mood among the weavers hardens toward action.
Hannele : $b 2-näytöksinen unirunoelma
"Hannele: 2-näytöksinen unirunoelma" by Gerhart Hauptmann is a play written in 1893. This groundbreaking work tells the story of a neglected and abused peasant child who, on her deathbed, experiences a vision of divine powers welcoming her into the afterlife. Breaking from Hauptmann's naturalistic style, the play adopts symbolist dramaturgy and includes a dream sequence. It marks the first recorded instance in world literature of a play with a child as its heroine.