Author
Arthur Schnitzler
1862-1931
Arthur Schnitzler (1862-1931) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Arthur Schnitzler
Reigen: Zehn Dialoge
"Reigen: Zehn Dialoge" by Arthur Schnitzler is a play written between 1896 and 1897. Ten dialogues depict pairs of men and women from different social classes before and after sexual encounters. Each scene links to the next like a dance, with one partner from each scene continuing into the following one. The cycle moves from prostitute to soldier to maid, ascending through bourgeois and aristocratic Vienna, until the final scene closes the circle. Schnitzler portrays desire, power, seduction, and disappointment across Fin de Siècle society.
The Lonely Way—Intermezzo—Countess Mizzie Three Plays
"The Lonely Way—Intermezzo—Countess Mizzie" by Arthur Schnitzler is a collection of three plays written in the early 20th century. The works delve into themes of love, personal struggle, and the complexities of human relationships, set against the backdrop of early modern Vienna. The characters in Schnitzler's plays often embody the tensions between societal expectations and individual desires, making the collection a poignant exploration of human intimacy and existential themes. The opening of the first play, "The Lonely Way," introduces a family dynamic within the garden of Professor Wegrat's house, highlighting his interactions with his wife and children, as well as their acquaintances. As the characters converse, they navigate the weight of familial expectations, personal aspirations, and the looming presence of illness, which adds an undercurrent of melancholy. The dialogue reveals deep-seated fears and desires, particularly through the character of Johanna, who grapples with her mother's illness and the implications of their growing distance. This opening sets the stage for the unfolding emotional conflicts, inviting readers into the intricate webs of relationships that Schnitzler masterfully explores.
The Road to the Open
"The Road to the Open" by Arthur Schnitzler is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around George von Wergenthin, a young man grappling with the recent death of his father and his direction in life. The narrative explores themes of grief, nostalgia, and the complexities of human relationships in a society marked by social status and personal aspirations. The opening of the novel establishes George's emotional state as he reflects on his father's passing while dining alone. He wanders through memories of their last conversations and the impact of his familial past on his present. As he sorts through old family documents, he is struck by a sense of both loss and possibility; George contemplates his music and relationships, particularly with Anna Rosner. His chance encounters with friends and prospective romantic interests paint a picture of a complex social milieu filled with intrigue and expectation, setting the stage for George’s personal journey towards self-discovery and openness.
Casanova's Homecoming
"Casanova's Homecoming" by Arthur Schnitzler is a novel set in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the famed libertine Giacomo Casanova, who, now 53 years old and yearning for his native Venice, grapples with feelings of nostalgia and restlessness as he contemplates returning home after years of exile. This opening introduces readers to his character as more reflective and vulnerable, contrasting sharply with the adventurous young man he once was. At the start of the novel, Casanova reflects on his life, his desires, and the simple yet profound ache of homesickness that drives him back to Venice. He navigates his current mundane existence, beset by memories of past grandeur and the people he has known. As he interacts with others, particularly a young woman named Marcolina, his old charms and urges resurface. However, he discovers that Marcolina is elusive, not easily swayed by his reputation, and involved with a handsome lieutenant, Lorenzi. The opening not only sets the stage for Casanova's return to Venice but also hints at deeper themes of aging, desire, and a longing for genuine connection in a world that seems to have passed him by.
Hands Around [Reigen]: A Cycle of Ten Dialogues
"Hands Around [Reigen]: A Cycle of Ten Dialogues" by Arthur Schnitzler is a play written in 1897. Ten characters form an unwitting circle through secret sexual encounters that cross all levels of Viennese society. Each person appears in two consecutive scenes with different partners, creating an interconnected chain of relationships. The play scrutinizes sexual morality and class ideology through dialogues before or after intimate encounters. Considered highly controversial, it was privately printed in 1900 but not publicly performed until 1920, provoking violent reactions and antisemitic attacks against Schnitzler.
Casanovas Heimfahrt
"Casanovas Heimfahrt" by Arthur Schnitzler is a novella published in 1918. The aging Casanova, now fifty-three and impoverished, awaits permission to return home to Venice after twenty-five years of exile. While staying with friends, he becomes obsessed with seducing the young, intellectually formidable Marcolina. When she rejects him, Casanova's desperation leads him down a dark path of manipulation and betrayal. The story chronicles his moral decay as he confronts the unbearable reality of aging and makes devastating choices that transform the legendary seducer into something far more sinister.
The Dead Are Silent 1907
"The Dead Are Silent" by Arthur Schnitzler is a dramatic short story written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the tumultuous emotions of a romantic entanglement exacerbated by societal expectations and personal tragedy. The narrative addresses themes of love, guilt, and the consequences of choices made in moments of desperation and fear. The story follows the tragic encounter between Franz and Emma, a couple caught in a forbidden romance. As they attempt to escape the constraints of their lives, disaster strikes when their carriage overturns, resulting in Franz's severe injury. In a panic, Emma flees the scene, grappling with her emotions as she leaves him behind. As she returns home, she is haunted by the fear of discovery and the potential consequences of her actions. The narrative explores her internal turmoil, culminating in a moment of chilling realization when she speaks the words “the dead are silent,” symbolizing both the end of their relationship and the burdensome silence that follows her tragic choice. The story profoundly examines the themes of love, cowardice, and the haunting silence of mortality, leaving the reader with a sense of unease and reflection on the nature of human relationships.
Der Mörder: Eine Novelle
"Der Mörder: Eine Novelle" by Arthur Schnitzler is a novella written in 1910. Alfred, a wealthy young Viennese lawyer, pursues marriage with Adele while secretly maintaining a relationship with Elise, his fragile mistress. When Adele's father demands he take a year-long journey abroad, Alfred brings Elise along—but views her worsening heart condition as an obstacle to his ambitions. As Alfred's callous manipulation escalates into something darker, he believes he can secure the future he desires. But fate has other plans for this calculating protagonist.
Die griechische Tänzerin, und andere Novellen
"Die griechische Tänzerin, und andere Novellen" by Arthur Schnitzler is a collection of novellas published in 1905. The title story follows an aging narrator who reflects on Mathilde, a young woman who married a successful sculptor instead of him. After her sudden death, he revisits their encounters, questioning whether her seemingly happy marriage was genuine or a façade concealing suffering. His account reveals jealousy, doubt, and ambiguity as he struggles to understand the truth of her life and feelings.
Der Schleier der Pierrette: Pantomime in drei Bildern
"Der Schleier der Pierrette: Pantomime in drei Bildern" by Arthur Schnitzler is a dramatic pantomime written in the early 20th century. The work encapsulates themes of love, loss, and tragically intertwined fates within a narrative that resonates through visual storytelling rather than spoken dialogue. Set in Vienna during the early 1800s, the story utilizes the traditional figures of Pierrot and Pierrette, engaging with their complex emotional panoply against a backdrop of societal expectations and personal despair. The storyline unfolds in three distinct scenes, starting in Pierrot's modest room, where he is portrayed as a melancholic figure pining for his beloved Pierrette, who is ultimately revealed to be on the brink of a fateful choice. As the pantomime progresses to a festive hall where Pierrette is to marry another, a dramatic shift reveals her yearning for Pierrot, culminating in a tragic conclusion where love transcends into despair. The narrative deftly navigates the characters' emotional struggles, and Pierrette’s decision to unite with Pierrot in death serves as a powerful commentary on the intensity of their devotion amidst societal pressures. The use of music by Ernst von Dohnányi enhances the emotional depth and the narrative’s tragic elements, making this work a poignant exploration of love and existential despair.
Ennustus y.m. novelleja
"Ennustus y.m. novelleja" by Arthur Schnitzler is a collection of short stories written during the early 20th century. The primary story, "Ennustus," explores themes of fate and the intersecting lives of characters enveloped in intrigue, particularly around a banquet and an eerie, prophetic encounter. It delves into the intertwining of art, destiny, and psychological tension. The beginning of the collection introduces the setting of a small castle belonging to Baron von Schottenegg, where a circle of eclectic guests gathers for theatrical performances and artistic pursuits. Among them is an unnamed narrator who becomes fascinated by the baron's past as a struggling actor. During his stay, he listens to the baron recount his artistic aspirations and a mysterious event involving a magician named Marco Polo who foretells the future, particularly focusing on a prophecy that intertwines with the narrator's own life and the baron’s tragic fate. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation, foreshadowing deeper connections between the characters and the unfolding events.
Bertha Garlan
"Bertha Garlan" by Arthur Schnitzler is a novel written during the late 19th century. The book explores the life of Bertha, a widow navigating her existence in a small town after the death of her husband, Victor Mathias Garlan. As she reflects on her past, her marriage, and her relationship dynamics, she faces the complexities of loneliness, societal expectations, and the haunting memories of her youthful aspirations and lost love. At the start of the story, Bertha is depicted walking with her young son down a hill towards their town, feeling a sense of solitude as she reflects on her life three years after her husband's death. The opening scene establishes her routine, revealing her emotional state as she grapples with the memory of her husband and the unfulfilled dreams of her artistic ambitions. As she interacts with a few townsfolk and recalls her marriage—which was more a practical arrangement than a love match—Bertha's internal struggle is evident. The narrative delves into her relationships, including a budding friendship with a charming but disreputable man, Herr Klingemann, and the rekindling of memories tied to her first love, the celebrated violinist Emil Lindbach, raising questions about the nature of love, longing, and the choices that define our lives.
Álmok éjszakája
No description available.