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Social classes -- Germany -- Fiction Books

Best books

Gustav Freytag

Soll und Haben, Bd. 1 (2) Roman in sechs Büchern

"Soll und Haben, Bd. 1 (2)" by Gustav Freytag is a novel published in 1855. Set in mid-nineteenth-century Silesia, it follows young Anton Wohlfart's journey from apprentice to seasoned merchant while depicting the contrasting worlds of the rising merchant class and the declining aristocracy. Through parallel storylines centered in Breslau, the novel explores ambition, honor, and social mobility as Anton navigates business, friendship, and forbidden attraction to a nobleman's daughter, while his former schoolmate pursues wealth through increasingly questionable means.

Gustav Freytag

Debit and Credit Translated from the German of Gustav Freytag

"Debit and Credit" by Gustav Freytag is a novel published in 1855. After his father's death, young Anton Wohlfart begins an apprenticeship at a merchant's office in Breslau, where he rises through honest work. His journey brings him into contact with three contrasting worlds: the virtuous bourgeois merchants, the declining nobility struggling with financial ruin, and Jewish moneylenders and speculators. Through these encounters, Anton develops his worldview in this widely-read social novel of nineteenth-century Germany.

Gustav Freytag

Vanha kauppiaskoti

"Vanha kauppiaskoti" by Gustav Freytag is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story unfolds in the small town of Ostrau, detailing the life of the royal account councilor Wohlfart and his experiences as a father to his prodigious son, Anton. The narrative explores themes of family, societal expectations, and the aspiration for a better life against the backdrop of a changing world. The opening of the novel introduces the setting of Ostrau and provides insight into the life of Wohlfart, a devoted husband and father who reveres his king and finds joy in his work. It describes the happiness of his family, particularly with the birth of their son Anton, who shows remarkable characteristics from a young age. As Anton grows, he becomes a source of pride for his father and a model for his peers. However, their idyllic life takes a turn with the death of Wohlfart's wife, prompting a poignant exploration of grief, parental responsibility, and the aspirations that come with forging a path to success in the business world. This opening portion sets the stage for Anton's journey as he prepares to seek a future in the bustling capital city, hinting at the adventures and challenges that lie ahead.

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