Der Schwierige: Lustspiel in drei Akten

Name: Der Schwierige: Lustspiel in drei Akten
Author: Hugo von Hofmannsthal

By Hugo von Hofmannsthal

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German Literature Plays/Films/Dramas

About This Book

The play stages social maneuvers inside an elegant household where an exacting, difficult man imposes rules that unsettle relatives, friends, and servants. Through witty exchanges and carefully arranged scenes, private anxieties, courtship tensions, and questions of inheritance and reputation surface, prompting characters to perform civility while negotiating desire, duty, and change. Satirical observations of manners and class interplay produce ironic reversals as alliances shift and hidden motives are revealed, blending comedy of etiquette with a probing look at individual stubbornness and social artifice.

About the Author

Hugo von Hofmannsthal

Hugo von Hofmannsthal was an Austrian poet, playwright, and essayist, known for his significant contributions to early 20th-century literature. He emerged as a prominent figure in the literary scene of Vienna, where he was associated with the modernist movement. His works often explore themes of identity, mortality, and the human condition. One of his most notable plays, "Jedermann: Das Spiel vom Sterben des reichen Mannes," reflects his interest in existential questions and morality. Hofmannsthal's lyrical poetry and dramatic works have left a lasting impact on German literature, showcasing his mastery of language and form.