Arthur Schnitzler
Arthur Schnitzler (1862–1931) was an Austrian author and dramatist. He is known for his psychological novels and plays that explore the complexity of human sexuality and emotions. His works often delve into the inner lives of his characters and the social mores of his time. Schnitzler was a prominent figure in the Viennese modernist movement, and his most famous works include 'La Ronde' (Reigen), 'Dream Story' (Traumnovelle), which was later adapted into the film 'Eyes Wide Shut' by Stanley Kubrick, and the novella 'Fräulein Else'. His writing is characterized by its sharp observation, narrative experimentation, and a frank depiction of sexuality.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. None but the Brave
"None but the Brave" is a novel that explores the complexities of human emotions, relationships, and social norms in the early 20th century. The story follows a group of middle-class Austrians whose comfortable lives are disrupted when they become entangled in a series of romantic and sexual affairs. The narrative delves into their individual struggles, their moral dilemmas, and the societal expectations that they grapple with. The book is a profound examination of the human condition, highlighting the courage it takes to face one's desires and fears.
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2. Traumnovelle
The narrative delves into the psyche of a Viennese doctor who, after his wife confesses to having sexual fantasies about another man, embarks on a nocturnal journey of sexual and moral discovery. His odyssey leads him through a series of increasingly surreal and erotic encounters, culminating in a secret masquerade ball that exposes the darker side of human desire and the complexities of the human soul. The story explores themes of jealousy, fidelity, and the boundaries between reality and dreams, ultimately questioning the very nature of human identity and the masks people wear in society.
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3. Plays And Stories
"Plays and Stories" is a collection that showcases the work of a prominent writer known for his incisive exploration of psychology and morality in turn-of-the-century Viennese society. The book brings together a selection of his dramatic and narrative pieces, each delving into the complex lives and intimate struggles of its characters. Through a blend of sharp dialogue, intricate character studies, and a keen observation of social mores, the collection reveals the subtle forces at play in love, desire, and power, often highlighting the ironic twists of fate that can alter the course of an individual's life. The writer's work is celebrated for its nuanced depiction of the human condition and its influence on modernist literature.
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4. Professor Bernhardi
The play revolves around a Jewish physician who heads a Viennese clinic and becomes embroiled in a scandal when he prevents a Catholic priest from giving the last rites to a dying patient who is unaware of the seriousness of her condition. His actions, motivated by a desire to preserve the patient's peace of mind, are misinterpreted as anti-Catholic, leading to a public outcry and a power struggle that reflects the deeply ingrained anti-Semitism and political opportunism of the time. The doctor's principled stand becomes a flashpoint for societal and professional conflict, raising questions about ethics, religion, and the corrosive effects of prejudice.
