ISBN 9780140442427
Rs. 1,120
Penguin Classics
Elective Affinities
Who it's for: Readers of classic literature and philosophical fiction
Elective Affinities (Die Wahlverwandtschaften) is a philosophical novel by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, first published in 1809. It explores complex human relationships and connections through the metaphor of chemical reactions, where individuals are drawn together by inherent forces. The narrative centers on a married couple, Eduard and Charlotte, whose lives become complicated when two other individuals, Ottilie and The Captain, enter their household, testing the boundaries of desire, duty, and social convention.Why You Should Read? Explores human nature, love, and relationships with profound insight. Goethe's innovative blend of scientific concepts and literary narrative. Examines the enduring conflict between societal norms and individual desires. A foundational work of German literature with lasting philosophical relevance.
Highlights
- First published in 1809
- Uses chemical reactions as a metaphor for human relationships
- Centers on a married couple, Eduard and Charlotte, and two newcomers, Ottilie and The Captain
- Explores the conflict between desire, duty, and social convention
- A foundational work of German literature
Themes
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Sign inQuestions about this book
What is the central metaphor of the novel?
The novel uses chemical reactions as a metaphor for human relationships, where individuals are drawn together by inherent forces, much like elements in a chemical compound.
Who are the main characters?
The main characters are the married couple Eduard and Charlotte, and two other individuals, Ottilie and The Captain, whose arrival disrupts their lives.
What themes does the novel explore?
The novel explores complex human relationships, the conflict between desire and duty, and the tension between individual desires and social conventions.
When was the novel first published?
It was first published in 1809.
What is the novel's significance in literature?
It is a foundational work of German literature, known for its innovative blend of scientific concepts and literary narrative, and its lasting philosophical relevance.