Hands Around [Reigen]: A Cycle of Ten Dialogues

Name: Hands Around [Reigen]: A Cycle of Ten Dialogues
Author: Arthur Schnitzler

By Arthur Schnitzler

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About This Book

Ten linked dialogues trace a chain of brief sexual encounters between people from different social stations, each scene revealing manners, motives, and the subtle negotiations of desire. The encounters form a circular structure that returns to its opening figure, and the concise dramatic exchanges map patterns of attraction, vulnerability, and social etiquette. With cool realism and ironic detachment, the pieces examine how sexuality, power, and self-deception intersect, exposing recurring human longings and the frequent mismatch between yearning and fulfillment.

About the Author

Arthur Schnitzler

Arthur Schnitzler was an Austrian playwright and novelist, known for his exploration of themes such as love, sexuality, and the complexities of human relationships. His works often reflect the social dynamics of early 20th-century Vienna. One of his most notable plays, "Reigen" (also known as "La Ronde"), presents a series of interconnected dialogues that delve into the intimate encounters of various characters, showcasing the cyclical nature of desire. Schnitzler's writing is characterized by its psychological depth and incisive wit, making significant contributions to modernist literature.