Elective Affinities by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe Essay

Edward and Charlotte are a middle-aged couple, happily married, and who live comfortably in a bulky estate in early 19th century Germany. Edward was an only child, and thus was accustomed to getting what he wanted from life. Charlotte was a strong, level-headed woman, who, in spite of universe at about the same age as Edward, displayed a character that was far to a greater extent mature. The characters lived a relaxed, noblemans life, and Charlotte spent most of her age arranging and decorating the area around their land.The couple had loved from each one other in the past in their youth however they were married to different throng to satisfy the wishes of their parents. Both of their spouses died early, and Edward, after traveling abroad, came back and married Charlotte. The two were discussing their great fortune at still having time to cherish the moments they never had in their youth, but Edward had other plans. His best friend, the maestro, wanted a job that would suit h is multiple talents, and Edward felt obliged to hire him and have him stay with them.Charlotte opposed the base at first, but assented afterwards, but revealing to Edward that she felt the same with Ottilie, her niece who was not adjusting very well to school. The Captain was the first to arrive at the estate. In pocket-size time he got acquainted with his surroundings, and set about to change them to what he felt was better taste than what Charlotte has done. Charlotte became busy with other things, including correspondence with officials from the school where her daughter, Luciana, and Ottilie were studying. Luciana was a great student and she was always at the top of her class.Ottilie, on the other hand, was a shy and timid student, but the Assistant to the superior saw a potential in Ottilie that nobody else did. Edward, Charlotte and the Captain were enjoying each others company, and on one particular discourse they discussed among them the elective affinities, the tendencies of chemical species to combine with true substances in preference to others. They related the somewhat obscure subject matter to themselves, and whether these affinities apply to human relationships too, unknowingly foreshadowing their ultimate fates.Ottilie arrived at the estate soon afterwards, and although a timid girl, she was exceedingly beautiful that the company was inspired by her presence. She quickly became efficient at managing the household, which delighted Charlotte, who was spending more and more time with the Captain due to her desire to command the fruits of his plans for the estate. Edward then, found himself spending more time with Ottilie, who he quickly grew fond with. The plans for remodeling the estate were numerous, and the four all contributed plans towards the net end.Ottilies suggestion on the placement of a new house was unexpected because she was so timid, but everybody agreed with it. The Captain busied himself with the remodeling, and although he f elt an leader to Charlotte he thought the better of it and tried to stay away from her. However, he firm to finish the new houses foundation on Charlottes birthday, which he did. The day after Charlottes birthday, two visitors arrived at the estate, the appear and the Baroness, who were unmarried lovers as well.In observing their hosts situation, the Baroness deduced that Edward and Ottilie were lovers, The Count meanwhile had noticed the Captains usefulness, and intended to hire him, much to the hidden despair of Charlotte who was also very much in love with the Captain. With Ottilie still on his chief, Edward nevertheless goes to his married woman and spends the night together with her. The day after, Ottilie revealed to Edward that she loved him, something that he was exceedingly happy about since he shared the intense feelings as well.Charlotte and the Captain had an adventure of their own, in which the Captain kissed her and apologizing afterwards. Charlotte recognized that she had an obligation to her husband, and thus cut hornswoggle the affair with the Captain. Ottilie and Edward estranged themselves from the two others, while their passion grew with letters and secret correspondence with each other. Edward became busy with the preparations for Ottilies birthday, as the Captain was making preparations for his departure to the Count.On Ottilies birthday, Edward was ecstatiche prepared an extravagant gift of cloth and make preparations for a big fireworks display. When a certain embankment fell to the water and almost caused the drowning of a party-guest, everybody felt that further festivities were no longer proper, except the now madly-in-love Edward. afterward the Captains departure, Charlotte tried to save their marriage by sending Ottilie away, but she failed when Edward, not knowing what to do, decided to go away himself.Otillie, saddened by the dismissal of her love, nevertheless kept her faith that he would come back for her. Edward wrote a letter to Charlotte that kept Otillie with her until Edwards return. Charlotte learned shortly after that her night with Edward during the Counts visit conceived a child, and through Mittler, her ambassador at the moment, relayed it to Edward, Mittler, a once-minister who thought all marriage is sacred, set to Edward to try to mend their matrimony. Upon learning of the news, Edward is more confused and sets off with a death wish to join the armed forces.By this time, the Architect, a pupil by the Captain, had taken over remodeling of the estate. With an affinity for the arts, Otillie becomes committed to the Architect, albeit only thinking of him as a comfortable brother. In Edwards absence, Luciana returns from school with a bridegroom, and she magnifies the difference between her and the timid Otillie. After Luciana left, the Assistant comes to see Otilliehe too is in love with her, but Otillies heart is unattainable. She becomes attached to Edward and Charlottes baby, Otto.Afte r his stint in the army, Edward returns with a clear mindhe is going to take Otillie for himself, and engages his best friendnow a Majorto help him get a separation from Charlotte. An accidental encounter on the lake reunites Edward and Otillie, but afterwards Otillies carelessness caused the drowning and death of Otto. When the Major arrives to tell Charlotte about Edwards proposition, she is still shaken by the death of her son. Otillie, in guilt, resolved to renounce Edward and her love for him after the Major left.Plans were made to return Ottilie to school however, Edward caught her in a hotel on the way there. Ottilie had renounced Edward, and thus spoke not a word to him, but she went back to the estate. Once back, Edward, the Major and Charlotte tried to make her speak once more, but she did not. In fact, she was starving herself secretly, and she died afterwards. In a short time, Edward, who could not live without Ottilie, found no reason to live either, and followed his l ove to the grave.