Das Kind: Novelle

A novella written in the late 19th century. The story introduces Graf Gerold Authenried, a nobleman deeply engrossed in numismatics, who appears to neglect his family, including his young daughter, Josefa, and his wife, Gräfin Adele. The narrative explores themes of obsession and familial relationships against the backdrop of privilege and societal expectations, as it delves into the dynamics of passion, sacrifice, and the struggles of emotional connections. The opening of the novella sets a vivid scene within the Authenried household, focusing on Graf Authenried's rushed departure, showcasing his rather detached demeanor toward his family in favor of his numismatic pursuits. It portrays the tension between his interests and the emotional needs of his wife and daughter. Gräfin Adele's concern for their daughter, combined with her frustration over her husband's preoccupations, hints at deeper emotional struggles within their marriage. The reader is introduced to Leo von Somsdorff, a visitor who develops an interest in the family's affairs and perhaps in Gräfin Adele herself, hinting at a potential romantic subplot as the dynamics evolve around the central theme of familial love and the quest for personal fulfillment.