Seldwyla Folks: Three Singular Tales by Gottfried Keller

"Seldwyla Folks: Three Singular Tales" by Gottfried Keller is a collection of short stories written in the mid-19th century, which showcases the author's dexterity in narrative and character development. Set in the fictional town of Seldwyla, the book delves into the lives of its inhabitants, highlighting their peculiarities and the comedic dichotomies of human nature. The stories present a blend of humor, social commentary, and irony, woven into the fabric of everyday life in a quaint but somewhat stagnant society. The opening of the collection introduces the story of three decent combmakers who, despite their respectable nature, become embroiled in a silent competition for both their livelihood and the affections of Zues Buenzlin, a local maiden. Each combmaker is portrayed with quirks that define their interactions and personal ambitions, but they also reflect broader themes of economy, competition, and societal expectations. The narrative sets the stage for their interconnected lives, as they navigate issues of pride, jealousy, and the pursuit of happiness, all while maintaining a façade of amicability. As the tension mounts, the dynamics of their relationships spotlight Keller’s keen insights into human behavior, emphasizing the absurdities that arise in the quest for love and self-worth within a rigid societal structure. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

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About this eBook

Author Keller, Gottfried, 1819-1890
Translator Schierbrand, Wolf von, 1851-1920
Title Seldwyla Folks: Three Singular Tales
Contents Three decent combmakers -- Dietegen -- Romeo and Juliet of the village.
Credits Produced by Charles Bowen, from page scans provided by the Web Archive
Reading Level Reading ease score: 69.0 (8th & 9th grade). Neither easy nor difficult to read.
Language English
LoC Class PT: Language and Literatures: Germanic, Scandinavian, and Icelandic literatures
Subject Switzerland -- Social life and customs -- Fiction
Category Text
eBook-No. 34505
Release Date
Last Update Jan 7, 2021
Copyright Public domain in the USA.
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