Author
Gottfried Keller
1819-1890
Gottfried Keller (1819-1890) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Gottfried Keller
Die Leute von Seldwyla — Band 1
"Die Leute von Seldwyla — Band 1" by Gottfried Keller is a collection of novellas written between 1853-1855. Set in the fictional Swiss town of Seldwyla, these stories paint a satirical portrait of a charming but reckless community where citizens live beyond their means, speculate wildly, and prefer pleasure to hard work. The tales explore the peculiar fates of Seldwyla's inhabitants, from a chronic sulker seeking redemption to a tragic adaptation of Shakespeare's famous lovers transplanted to the Swiss countryside.
Die Leute von Seldwyla — Band 2
"Die Leute von Seldwyla — Band 2" by Gottfried Keller is a collection of novellas published between 1873-1875. Set in the fictional Swiss town of Seldwyla, these stories portray a community of charming but reckless citizens who live beyond their means, speculate foolishly, and thrive in youth before falling into bankruptcy. Through satirical comedies and one tragic adaptation of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," Keller crafts vivid portraits of human folly and occasional redemption, exploring themes of youthful carelessness, social criticism, and the consequences of temperament in this masterwork of nineteenth-century German realism.
Seldwyla Folks: Three Singular Tales
"Seldwyla Folks: Three Singular Tales" by Gottfried Keller is a collection of short stories written in the mid-19th century, which showcases the author's dexterity in narrative and character development. Set in the fictional town of Seldwyla, the book delves into the lives of its inhabitants, highlighting their peculiarities and the comedic dichotomies of human nature. The stories present a blend of humor, social commentary, and irony, woven into the fabric of everyday life in a quaint but somewhat stagnant society. The opening of the collection introduces the story of three decent combmakers who, despite their respectable nature, become embroiled in a silent competition for both their livelihood and the affections of Zues Buenzlin, a local maiden. Each combmaker is portrayed with quirks that define their interactions and personal ambitions, but they also reflect broader themes of economy, competition, and societal expectations. The narrative sets the stage for their interconnected lives, as they navigate issues of pride, jealousy, and the pursuit of happiness, all while maintaining a façade of amicability. As the tension mounts, the dynamics of their relationships spotlight Keller’s keen insights into human behavior, emphasizing the absurdities that arise in the quest for love and self-worth within a rigid societal structure.
Seven Legends
"Seven Legends" by Gottfried Keller is a collection of fictional retellings of saints' legends written in the late 19th century. Each story reflects not only a faith-based moral lesson but also explores human emotions and desires, often with a mix of humor and irony. At the heart of these legends are characters such as the learned maiden Eugenia and the mischievous monk Vitalis, who navigate challenges to their identities and virtues in whimsical and thought-provoking ways. At the start of the collection, the reader is introduced to Eugenia, a beautiful and educated Roman maiden yearning for intellectual pursuit rather than conformity to societal norms. She initially rejects marriage proposals, preferring to delve into philosophical studies. However, her journey takes a transformative turn as she disguises herself as a monk to live a life devoted to spirituality. The narrative explores themes of identity, societal expectations, and the quest for self-awareness, mixing elements of comedy and drama in a way that captures the reader's imagination while imparting moral insights—a hallmark of Keller's storytelling.
Novelleja
"Novelleja" by Gottfried Keller is a collection of stories written in the late 19th century. The work is set in a small town and revolves around the lives of various characters, particularly focusing on their struggles with personal and social conflicts. Central figures in the initial story are a widow and her two children, Jukka and Ester, whose dynamic and individual characteristics lay the groundwork for exploring themes of family, hardship, and aspirations. The opening of the collection introduces us to the widow living in an impoverished condition, relying on her meager resources to raise her two children, Jukka and Ester. Jukka is depicted as a sullen and withdrawn boy, often lost in his own thoughts and frustrations, contrasting with his cheerful and industrious sister Ester. As their mother struggles between their needs and her limited means, the siblings' relationship evolves, reflecting both the chaos of childhood and the burdens of familial expectations. This first glimpse into their lives sets up a dynamic that promises emotional depth and nuanced character development as the story unfolds.
Martti Salander: Romaani
"Martti Salander: Romaani" by Gottfried Keller is a family and social novel published in 1886. After seven years in Brazil, idealistic merchant Martin Salander returns to Switzerland with newfound wealth, hoping to build a prosperous life and engage in the new democracy. However, he discovers a society consumed by greed and fraud, where even his own family falls victim to deception. His faith that political freedom leads to moral responsibility faces bitter disappointment in this unflinching critique of Swiss society.