Delphi Collected Works of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe \(Illustrated\) pdfdrive com

ELECTIVE AFFINITIES

Translated by James Anthony Froude and R. Dillon Boylan

Goethe’s third novel was published in 1809. The title is a scientific term used

to describe the tendency of chemical species to combine with certain substances

in preference to others. The novel is based on the metaphor of human passions

being  governed  by  the  laws  of  chemical  affinity,  and  examines  whether  or  not

the laws of chemistry undermine or uphold the institution of marriage, as well as

other social relations.

Elective  Affinities  is  set  in  the  city  of  Weimar  and  features  the  protagonists

Eduard and Charlotte, an aristocratic couple, enjoying a peaceful, but lacklustre

life  on  the  grounds  of  their  rural  estate.  They  invite  the  Captain,  Eduard’s

childhood  friend,  and  Ottilie,  the  beautiful,  orphaned,  coming-of-age  niece  of

Charlotte,  to  live  with  them.  The  decision  to  invite  Ottilie  and  the  Captain  is

described as an “experiment”, preparing for the conflict of the novel.

Ever since the time of its first publication, Elective Affinities has roused many

interpretations  among  critics,  who  debate  the  role  of  the  chemical  theory  of

elective  affinities.  Some  argue  that  it  suggests  a  philosophy  of  nature  that  is

rooted in fate, whilst others maintain that the novel concerns the importance of

free choice. Others believe that the chemical theory is merely a structural device

that allows the author to foreshadow events, bearing no relevance to the greater

issues of the novel.

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The first edition

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