The Elective Affinities - Softcover

Goethe, Johann Wolfgang Von; Froude, James Anthony; Boylan, R. Dillon

Softcover

ISBN 10: 8027306787 ISBN 13: 9788027306787

Publisher: e-artnow, 2020

Synopsis

Elective Affinities, also translated under the title Kindred by Choice, is the third novel by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, published in 1809. The title is taken from a scientific term once used to describe the tendency of chemical species to combine with certain substances or species in preference to others. The novel is based on the metaphor of human passions being governed or regulated by the laws of chemical affinity, and examines whether or not the science and laws of chemistry undermine or uphold the institution of marriage, as well as other human social relations. The story is situated around the city of Weimar. Goethe's main characters are Eduard and Charlotte, an aristocratic couple both in their second marriage, enjoying an idyllic but semi-dull 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...

Edition details

• Publisher: e-artnow
• Publication date: 2020
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 8027306787
• ISBN 13: 9788027306787
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 156