| dc.description.abstract | This paper examines the personal relationships of the lesser aristocracy and the upper bourgeoisie as pictured in three of Theodor Fontane's novels: L’Adultera, Frau Jenny Treibel, and Effie Briest. It was found that in both classes the predominant reason for a choice of mate was status rather than love, although the people attempted to mitigate this by putting on a facade of love after becoming engaged. In case of an aristocratic wife’s infidelity, the husband's reaction was guided by the ancient feudal honor code to which the wife also adhered. The lover must be dueled and the wife must be banished from the home. The influence of this honor code was lacking in the bourgeois family, however, and the bourgeois husband had the option of forgiving his wife and reconciling with her. This relative leniency in judging adultery is also reflected in the attitude of the unfaithful wife toward herself. In regarding each other as husband and wife, the bourgeoisie had a much more equal relationship than did the aristocracy. Bourgeois women were free to hold and voice their own opinions, as compared to the childlike obedience of the aristocratic wives. | en |
