Author
Carl Sternheim
1878-1942
Carl Sternheim (1878-1942) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Subjects
Books by Carl Sternheim
Der Snob Komödie in drei Aufzügen
"Der Snob" by Carl Sternheim is a comedy in three acts written in 1914. The play chronicles Christian Maske, a newly wealthy businessman determined to climb into aristocratic society in Wilhelmine Germany. To achieve his ambitions, Christian ruthlessly severs ties with his past—dismissing his supporter Sybille, paying off and sending away his parents, and marrying into nobility. When his common-born father threatens to expose his origins, Christian concocts an audacious final scheme to obscure his bourgeois background forever.
Napoleon: Eine Novelle
"Napoleon: Eine Novelle" by Carl Sternheim is a novella written during the early 20th century. This work explores the life and ambitions of a character named Napoleon, who is not the famed French general but instead a cook and owner of a restaurant in Paris. The novella delves into themes of identity, ambition, and the gastronomic culture of the time, illustrating the protagonist's journey through the culinary and social landscapes of society. The story follows Napoleon from his childhood in Waterloo to his rise as the celebrated owner of a restaurant called "Chapon fin" in Paris. As he navigates through various relationships, including a romance with the dancer Valentine, he becomes increasingly disillusioned with the superficial nature of wealth and social status. Ultimately, after achieving fame and success in the competitive restaurant world, he faces devastating loss when Valentine is executed during the violence of the Paris Commune. This tragedy propels him into a deep introspection about life, death, and the human condition, leading him to a state of mourning and reflection on his past. In the end, he finds solace in nature and the simplicity of life, indicating a profound transformation rooted in suffering and the passage of time.
Schuhlin: Eine Erzählung
"Schuhlin: Eine Erzählung" by Carl Sternheim is a novel written in the early 20th century. This book delves into the life of Ludwig Schuhlin, a musician hailing from a proletarian background whose ascent to social prominence is marked by his musical talent and complex relationships with those around him. The narrative explores themes of ambition, desire, and the dynamics of power within human connections. The novel tells the story of Ludwig Schuhlin, whose passion for music drives him from humble beginnings to the drawing rooms of affluent society. As he gains recognition and the admiration of wealthy women, Schuhlin's self-confidence swells, leading him to manipulate those who admire him for his art. His relationships become increasingly tumultuous, especially with Klara, a young woman whom he ultimately marries. The story examines Schuhlin's creative genius and the moral cost of his ambition, highlighting his struggles and the emotional toll on those he entwines in his life, ultimately culminating in a tragic turn of events fueled by jealousy and betrayal.
Ulrike: Eine Erzählung
"Ulrike: Eine Erzählung" by Carl Sternheim is a narrative novel written in the early 20th century, specifically around the time of World War I. The book explores themes of societal roles, gender expectations, and the dichotomy between provincial life and the bustling environment of urban centers, aimed at depicting the struggles of the protagonist, Ulrike, as she navigates these contrasting worlds. The story centers on Ulrike von Bolz, a young girl growing up in a conservative and patriarchal family in rural Uckermark, Germany. As she matures, Ulrike grapples with her father's oppressive authority, her emerging sexuality, and her own yearning for independence. Moving to Berlin introduces her to modernity, new experiences, and societal complexities, where she finds herself both attracted to and repulsed by urban life and its chaotic energy. Throughout her journey, Ulrike's character evolves as she becomes entangled with various men, particularly the soldier August Bäslack, and later, the artist Posinsky. The novel culminates in her transformation, which ultimately leads her to questionable choices and a tragic fate, reflecting the poignant struggles of women in a rapidly changing world.
Busekow: Eine Novelle
"Busekow: Eine Novelle" by Carl Sternheim is a fictional novella written in the early 20th century. The book centers around the life of Christof Busekow, a police officer grappling with his mundane existence, societal expectations, and his emerging desires. It explores themes of duty, identity, and the contrasts between personal and professional lives within the context of early modern society. The narrative follows Christof Busekow as he carries out his duties as a policeman while reflecting on his life, his unsatisfactory marriage, and his encounters with a new woman whom he finds intriguing. Through a series of events, Busekow's interactions with this new character lead him to question his own worth and desires. His journey reflects a transformation, as he becomes more self-aware and feels rejuvenated through his relationship, contrasting the stagnation represented by his marriage. Ultimately, the story culminates in a tragic end, highlighting the conflict between personal aspirations and the harsh realities of societal norms.
Meta: Eine Erzählung
"Meta: Eine Erzählung" by Carl Sternheim is a novel written during the early 20th century. The book explores the life of its titular character, Meta, as she transitions from a naïve servant girl to a woman grappling with her desires, societal expectations, and the impact of war. It reflects themes of femininity, love, and the complexities of human relationships against the backdrop of a changing society. In the narrative, Meta starts as a young maid who finds joy and purpose in her work, but her life experiences lead her to confront the harsh realities of love and ambition. As she becomes entangled with different men, including the idealized Fedor and the youthful Franz, her understanding of love evolves, revealing the struggles between virtue and desire. Ultimately, war disrupts her dreams, pushing her to navigate loss and redefining her identity in a patriarchal society. Sternheim's work delves into the intricate emotions and societal pressures faced by women, making it a poignant commentary on early 20th-century life.