In his third novella, Johann Wolfgang Goethe explores the tension between spontaneous passion or âchemical attractionâ and respect for the conventions of marriage.
Wealthy aristocrat Edward and his wife, Charlotte, invite The Captain, Edwardâs childhood friend, and Charlotteâs niece, Ottilie, to their estate near Weimar. The Captain and Charlotte fall in love, as do Edward and Ottilie, who do not hesitate to consummate their infatuation; the results include infanticide, suicide by starvation, and death from a mysterious illness.
Elective Affinities (Unabridged) - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
In his third novella, Johann Wolfgang Goethe explores the tension between spontaneous passion or âchemical attractionâ and respect for the conventions of marriage.
Wealthy aristocrat Edward and his wife, Charlotte, invite The Captain, Edwardâs childhood friend, and Charlotteâs niece, Ottilie, to their estate near Weimar. The Captain and Charlotte fall in love, as do Edward and Ottilie, who do not hesitate to consummate their infatuation; the results include infanticide, suicide by starvation, and death from a mysterious illness.