Elective Affinities by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe Essay

Edward and Charlotte are a middle-aged couple, happily married, and who live comfortably in a considerable estate in early 19th century Germany. Edward was an only child, and thus was accustomed to getting what he wanted from life. Charlotte was a strong, level-headed woman, who, in spite of being at about the same age as Edward, displayed a character that was far more mature. The characters lived a relaxed, nobleman’s life, and Charlotte spent most of her time arranging and decorating the area around their land. The couple had loved each other in the past in their youth; however they were married to different people to satisfy the wishes of their parents. Both of their spouses died early, and Edward, after traveling abroad, came back and married Charlotte. The two were discussing their great fortune at still having time to cherish the moments they never had in their youth, but Edward had other plans. His best friend, the Captain, wanted a job that would suit his multiple talents, and Edward felt obliged to hire him and have him stay with them. Charlotte opposed the idea at first, but assented afterwards, but revealing to Edward that she felt the same with Ottilie, her niece who was not adjusting very well to school. The Captain was the first to arrive at the estate. In little time he got acquainted with his surroundings, and set about to change them to what he felt was better taste than what Charlotte has done. Charlotte became busy with other things, including correspondence with officials from the school where her daughter, Luciana, and Ottilie were studying. Luciana was a great student and she was always at the top of her class. Ottilie, on the other hand, was a shy and timid student, but the Assistant to the superior saw a potential in Ottilie that nobody else did. Edward, Charlotte and the Captain were enjoying each other’s company, and on one particular discourse they discussed among them the elective affinities, the tendencies of chemical species to combine with certain substances in preference to others. They related the somewhat obscure subject matter to themselves, and whether these affinities apply to human relationships too, unknowingly foreshadowing their ultimate fates. Ottilie arrived at the estate shortly afterwards, and although a timid girl, she was exceedingly beautiful that the company was inspired by her presence. She quickly became efficient at managing the household, which delighted Charlotte, who was spending more and more time with the Captain due to her desire to see the fruits of his plans for the estate. Edward then, found himself spending more time with Ottilie, who he quickly grew fond with. The plans for remodeling the estate were numerous, and the four all contributed plans towards the final end. Ottilie’s suggestion on the placement of a new house was unexpected because she was so timid, but everybody agreed with it. The Captain busied himself with the remodeling, and although he felt an attraction to Charlotte he thought the better of it and tried to stay away from her. However, he resolved to finish the new house’s foundation on Charlotte’s birthday, which he did. The day after Charlotte’s birthday, two visitors arrived at the estate, the Count and the Baroness, who were unmarried lovers as well. In observing their hosts’ situation, the Baroness deduced that Edward and Ottilie were lovers, The Count meanwhile had noticed the Captain’s usefulness, and intended to hire him, much to the hidden despair of Charlotte who was also very much in love with the Captain. With Ottilie still on his mind, Edward nevertheless goes to his wife and spends the night together with her. The day after, Ottilie revealed to Edward that she loved him, something that he was exceedingly happy about since he shared the intense feelings as well. Charlotte and the Captain had an adventure of their own, in which the Captain kissed her and apologizing afterwards. Charlotte recognized that she had an obligation to her husband, and thus cut short the affair with the Captain. Ottilie and Edward estranged themselves from the two others, while their passion grew with letters and secret correspondence with each other. Edward became busy with the preparations for Ottilie’s birthday, as the Captain was making preparations for his departure to the Count. On Ottilie’s birthday, Edward was ecstatic—he prepared an extravagant gift of cloth and made preparations for a big fireworks display. When a certain embankment fell to the water and almost caused the drowning of a party-guest, everybody felt that further festivities were no longer proper, except the now madly-in-love Edward. After the Captain’s departure, Charlotte tried to save their marriage by sending Ottilie away, but she failed when Edward, not knowing what to do, decided to go away himself. Otillie, saddened by the loss of her love, nevertheless kept her faith that he would come back for her. Edward wrote a letter to Charlotte that kept Otillie with her until Edward’s return. Charlotte learned shortly after that her night with Edward during the Count’s visit conceived a child, and through Mittler, her ambassador at the moment, relayed it to Edward, Mittler, a once-minister who thought all marriage is sacred, set to Edward to try to mend their matrimony. Upon learning of the news, Edward is more confused and sets off with a death wish to join the armed forces. By this time, the Architect, a pupil by the Captain, had taken over remodeling of the estate. With an affinity for the arts, Otillie becomes attached to the Architect, albeit only thinking of him as a comfortable brother. In Edward’s absence, Luciana returns from school with a bridegroom, and she magnifies the difference between her and the timid Otillie. After Luciana left, the Assistant comes to see Otillie—he too is in love with her, but Otillie’s heart is unattainable. She becomes attached to Edward and Charlotte’s baby, Otto. After his stint in the army, Edward returns with a clear mind—he is going to take Otillie for himself, and engages his best friend—now a Major—to help him get a separation from Charlotte. An accidental encounter along the lake reunites Edward and Otillie, but afterwards Otillie’s carelessness caused the drowning and death of Otto. When the Major arrives to tell Charlotte about Edward’s proposition, she is still shaken by the death of her son. Otillie, in guilt, resolved to renounce Edward and her love for him after the Major left. Plans were made to return Ottilie to school; however, Edward caught her in a hotel on the way there. Ottilie had renounced Edward, and thus spoke not a word to him, but she went back to the estate. Once back, Edward, the Major and Charlotte tried to make her speak once more, but she did not. In fact, she was starving herself secretly, and she died afterwards. In a short time, Edward, who could not live without Ottilie, found no reason to live either, and followed his love to the grave.