“The disintegration of values is the characteristic of our time.”
Part One: 1888 – Pasenow or the Romantic
The first part introduces Joachim von Pasenow, a young Prussian officer struggling with the rigid expectations of his aristocratic upbringing. Torn between military discipline and romantic idealism, he becomes infatuated with a Bohemian woman, Ruzena, while also feeling pressured to marry Elisabeth, a woman of his own class. His internal conflict reflects the crumbling certainties of the late 19th century.
Part Two: 1903 – Esch or the Anarchist
August Esch, a disgruntled bookkeeper, represents the rising middle class. After losing his job, he drifts through life, obsessed with justice and order. His erratic behavior—including an impulsive marriage and a failed business venture—mirrors the social chaos of pre-World War I Europe. His story contrasts sharply with Pasenow’s aristocratic world.
Part Three: 1918 – Huguenau or the Realist
Wilhelm Huguenau, a ruthless opportunist, deserts the German army and exploits postwar disorder for personal gain. He manipulates, betrays, and even murders without remorse. His cold pragmatism symbolizes the complete collapse of moral values, culminating in his assault on Esch and theft of Pasenow’s money—marking the final stage of societal disintegration.
Key Ideas
- The breakdown of traditional values in modern society
- The psychological effects of historical upheaval
- The contrast between romantic idealism and brutal realism
- The fragmentation of identity in a changing world
- The inevitability of moral decay in times of crisis
Who should read this book?
- Readers interested in modernist literature and philosophical depth
- Those exploring the psychological impact of war and societal change
- Fans of dense, introspective narratives with rich symbolism