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German drama -- Translations into Finnish Books
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Gerhart Hauptmann
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.
August von Kotzebue
Suorin tie paras : $b Yksinäytöksinen ilveily
"Suorin tie paras: Yksinäytöksinen ilveily" by August von Kotzebue is a comedic play written during the early 20th century. The narrative revolves around the competition between two clergymen vying for a pastoral position, set against the backdrop of a benevolent and resourceful major's estate. The central theme includes the complexities of love, choice, and community expectations, as the major seeks to arrange a suitable marriage for his ward Amalia while also dealing with the ensuing comedic situations brought about by the clergymen's attempts to win favor. The play begins with Major von Murten contemplating the selection of a new pastor, as two candidates come forward—Elias Krumm, a learned but somewhat pretentious man, and Fredrik Wahl, who harbors a secret love for Amalia, the ward. As Krumm attempts to ingratiate himself with the community and the major, Amalia cleverly devises a scheme to determine which man is more suitable for her. As the story unfolds, misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and humorous exchanges abound, leading to amusing situations where both Krumm and Wahl unwittingly end up entangled in the past and present romances of those around them. Ultimately, through a series of comedic events, both candidates' true natures are revealed, and love triumphs in unexpected ways, culminating in the revelation that the straightforward approach—“the shortest path is the best”—holds true for all involved.
Paul Heyse
Veljesten kesken: Yksinäytöksinen huvinäytelmä
"Veljesten kesken: Yksinäytöksinen huvinäytelmä" by Paul Heyse is a one-act comedy probably written in the late 19th century. The play centers around familial relationships and the discussions among three brothers regarding the future of their younger sister, Klaara, as they navigate the dynamics of love, societal expectations, and personal ambitions. In this comedic exploration, the three brothers, Kaarlo, Emanuel, and Bruno, come together to discuss their control over their sister's life and potential suitors. As tensions rise, it is revealed that Klaara has her own desires and plans, leading to humorous exchanges and misunderstandings. The arrival of Edvard, the suitor, complicates matters further, as the brothers initially oppose him based on his perceived social status. However, the plot takes a turn as Klaara asserts her independence, ultimately challenging the brothers' notions of guardianship and love, thus highlighting the complexities of familial bonds in the face of romance and personal choice.
Gustav Heinrich Gans Putlitz
Sydän unhotettu: Komedia yhdessä näytöksessä
"Sydän unhotettu: Komedia yhdessä näytöksessä" by Putlitz is a comedic play written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a group of characters, including Dr. Willmar, his daughter-in-law Fransiska, and Osvald Born, who navigate their relationships and the comedic chaos of love, misunderstandings, and societal expectations. The play is set in a parlor within Dr. Willmar's home, providing a backdrop filled with humor and human connection. The opening of the play introduces us to Osvald as he is cleaning a gun while Evelina attempts to hang a painting, illustrating the lively and somewhat chaotic atmosphere. We see glimpses of their playful banter, which hints at romantic tensions, as Osvald expresses disdain for marriage while clearly being captivated by Evelina. The entrance of Fransiska brings further complexity as she seems to antagonize Osvald's feelings, alluding to a matchmaking scheme while revealing character dynamics. As the scene unfolds, the characters engage in lighthearted exchanges, setting the stage for comedic misunderstandings that are likely to follow throughout the play.
W. Friedrich
Haapaniemen hanhenpoika: Huvi-näytelmä yhdessä näytöksessä
"Haapaniemen hanhenpoika: Huvi-näytelmä yhdessä näytöksessä" by W. Friedrich et al. is a comedic play written in the late 19th century. The narrative revolves around the amusing interactions and misunderstandings among the residents of Haapaniemi, primarily focusing on family dynamics, social expectations, and romantic entanglements. The storyline primarily centers around Captain Stool, his wife Klaara, and their granddaughter Aini, who find themselves amid complications involving two prospective suitors, Sirkkunen and Keikkanen. The play unfolds within the quaint confines of the family's villa, revealing humorous exchanges, misunderstandings about personal identities, and social class commentary. Aini is courted by both suitors, leading to a series of comedic scenarios, including mistaken intentions and the eventual revelation of true affections. The plot explores themes of love, deception, and familial loyalty, culminating in a resolution that brings together the characters through clever dialogue and light-hearted antics.
Eduard Jacobson
Laululintunen : $b Laulusekainen näytelmä yhdessä näytöksessä
"Laululintunen: Laulusekainen näytelmä yhdessä näytöksessä" by Eduard Jacobson is a lighthearted play likely written in the late 19th century. This theatrical piece centers around themes of love and the struggles of the characters involved with singing and relationships. It incorporates elements of music, comedy, and the contrasts between social classes. The storyline follows Nettchen, a flower seller, and her cousin Friedel, who are faced with a personal crisis regarding their guardian, Martti, who is at risk of losing their family home due to debt. When an English lord, Loordi Mickelby, confronts them about their joyfulness and singing, he becomes intrigued and ultimately offers Nettchen a large sum of money for her flowers. This surprising windfall leads to various misunderstandings, particularly regarding feelings of love between Nettchen and Friedel. While the lord devises a plan to spark romance between them to rid himself of his annoyance with her singing, the tale unfolds through humor and ultimately resolves with a whimsical celebration of love and happiness.
Theodor Körner
Syyn sovitus: Murhenäytelmä yhdessä näytöksessä
"Syyn sovitus: Murhenäytelmä yhdessä näytöksessä" by Theodor Körner is a dramatic play composed in the 19th century, likely during the early to mid-1800s. As a tragic one-act play, it delves into themes of love, betrayal, and the harrowing consequences of familial conflict. The story centers on complex relationships between characters caught in a web of love and rivalry, ultimately leading to tragic outcomes. The plot unfolds within a household where Klaara finds herself torn between her husband Konrad and her former love Wilhelm, who returns from war believed to be dead. As secrets are revealed, including Wilhelm's survival, the tension between the brothers escalates, steeped in the violent backdrop of their past. Conflicted loyalties become increasingly clear, leading to a heartbreaking climax when Konrad, in a fit of rage and jealousy, fatally wounds Klaara, mistaking her actions for betrayal. The play concludes with chaos and loss, illustrating the devastating impact of violent misunderstandings and the tragic cost of human emotions intertwined with familial ties.
Friedrich Schiller
Kavaluus ja rakkaus: Murhenäytelmä viidessä näytöksessä
"Kavaluus ja rakkaus: Murhenäytelmä viidessä näytöksessä" by Friedrich Schiller is a tragic play penned in the late 18th century. The narrative revolves around complex themes of love, honor, deception, and societal expectations, highlighting the struggles of its characters against these forces. Central to the play are Ferdinand, a young nobleman caught between duty and passion, and Loviisa, a talented musician's daughter whose honor is jeopardized by social intrigue. The opening of the play introduces key figures and sets a dramatic tone. It begins in the home of Miller, a city musician, who is deeply concerned about his daughter Loviisa's reputation as she becomes an object of affection for the arrogant Baron Ferdinand, son of President von Walter. Miller expresses his fears about the potential consequences of his daughter's association with a man of higher social standing, hinting at the turmoil and conflict that will arise throughout the play. As Loviisa emerges as a character full of innocence and passionate love, the tensions of class dynamics and the constraints of relationships are sharply drawn, suggesting a narrative rich in emotional depth and moral quandaries.
Paul Heyse
Hans Lange: Näytelmä viidessä näytöksessä
"Hans Lange: Näytelmä viidessä näytöksessä" by Paul Heyse is a dramatic play written in the late 19th century. The story is set in the backdrop of East Pommerania in 1476 and revolves around Duke Sophia, her son Bugslaff, and the court's intricate power dynamics. The main themes appear to explore familial loyalty, class struggles, and the tension between personal desires and societal expectations. At the start of the play, we are introduced to Duchess Sophia, who is troubled by a letter from her husband calling for their son Bugslaff to join him in battle. This call demands a sacrifice from her, stirring feelings of anguish and reflection about her past choices. Evald von Massov, her loyal court marshal, counsels her, suggesting that marriage and reconciliation with her husband might be possible if Bugslaff goes to the duke. Amidst the unfolding drama, Hans Lange, a simple peasant, is introduced as a potential guardian for Bugslaff, which sets the stage for various character interactions and the complex interplay of class relations throughout the narrative.
A. (Alexander) Wilhelmi
Toinen tai toinen naimaan: Ilveily yhdessä näytöksessä
"Toinen tai toinen naimaan: Ilveily yhdessä näytöksessä" by A. Wilhelmi is a comedic play likely written in the late 19th century. The narrative revolves around the humorous and slightly absurd pressures placed upon two university professors, Jaakko and Wilhelmi Grimm, by their determined aunt Gertrud, who insists that they must marry. The play captures themes of love, societal expectations, and the clash between academic pursuits and personal relationships. In the storyline, the two brothers find themselves in a predicament when their aunt threatens to disinherit them unless they both agree to get married. The brunt of humor lies in their evasive maneuvers and the ridiculous situations they conjure as they attempt to avoid the inevitable, eventually deciding to draw lots to determine which brother will be forced into marriage. Their discussions and interactions feature witty banter and comedic misunderstandings, showcasing the characters' reluctance to conform to societal pressures while revealing their hidden affections and insecurities. The plot unfolds with eventual romantic entanglements, misunderstandings, and a conclusion that resolves their aunt's demands while highlighting the absurdities of both academic life and romantic pursuits.
Roderich Benedix
Hellät sukulaiset: Huvinäytelmä kolmessa näytöksessä
"Hellät sukulaiset: Huvinäytelmä kolmessa näytöksessä" by Roderich Benedix is a dramatic play written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in a familial setting, centering on the characters revealed to be part of a complex household, including Oswald Barnau, his relatives, and a servant named Thusnelda. Themes of familial responsibility, longing, and the contrast between social classes seem to permeate the narrative. At the start of the play, Thusnelda reflects on her father’s long absence, expressing her hopes and mourning his departure ten years earlier. In this lively household filled with women, a comedic atmosphere emerges as characters engage in banter, revealing their relationships and creating a sense of tension. Thusnelda interacts with Dietrich, who playfully demands kisses from her, showcasing the lighter notes amidst moments of familial duty and introspection. The return of Oswald Barnau marks a turning point, introducing anticipation and the promise of deeper connections as Thusnelda's longing to be recognized as part of the family is highlighted. This opening establishes both character dynamics and the play’s exploration of societal roles within the familial framework.
Gotthold Ephraim Lessing
Emilia Galotti: Murhenäytelmä viidessä näytöksessä
"Emilia Galotti: Murhenäytelmä viidessä näytöksessä" by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing is a bourgeois tragedy in five acts first performed in 1772. Based on the Roman legend of Virginia, the play follows young Emilia Galotti, who catches the obsessive attention of Prince Hettore Gonzaga. When the Prince learns she is about to marry Count Appiani, his chamberlain Marinelli orchestrates a deadly scheme to prevent the wedding. What unfolds is a dark tale of power, corruption, and desperate choices that leads to a shocking and irreversible act.
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