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Article: Germanic Languages & Literature.(Critical Essay)
- Article from:
- Michigan Academician
- Article date:
- March 22, 2001
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2001 Michigan Academy of Science Arts & Letters. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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In der Bresche stehen: Expectation and Reality in the Role of Pastor in Fontane's Efri Briest. Mary E. Buteyn, Calvin College, Department of Germanic Languages, Grand Rapids, MI 49546; 616/459-4945
In 1884 Theodor Fontane wrote,"... trotz ihrer enormen Fehler bleiben markische Junker und Landpastoren meine Ideale, meine stille Liebe." With this brief comment he anticipated his novel Effi Briest, which appeared a decade later. Set in primarily aristocratic circles, the narrative nevertheless features Pastor Niemeyer in an important supporting role. As the Protestant Church and its role with Prussian society had evolved through the nineteenth century, so too had ...