Bahnwärter Thiel   By: Gerhart Hauptmann (1862-1946)

Bahnwärter Thiel by Gerhart Hauptmann is a tragic and haunting tale of a man's descent into madness and desperation. The story follows the life of the title character, Thiel, a railroad crossing guard who is deeply devoted to his job and his young wife, Lene. However, as the pressures of his life begin to mount, Thiel's mental and emotional state begins to deteriorate.

Hauptmann masterfully conveys Thiel's inner turmoil and the gradual unraveling of his sanity. The author effectively captures the feeling of suffocating isolation and despair that engulfs Thiel as he grapples with his inner demons.

The novel is a powerful exploration of the human psyche and the destructive nature of obsession. Through Thiel's tragic story, Hauptmann sheds light on the fragility of the human mind and the devastating consequences of unchecked emotion.

Overall, Bahnwärter Thiel is a gripping and thought-provoking read that will leave readers reflecting on the dark recesses of the human soul long after they have finished the book. Hauptmann's writing is both poignant and unsettling, making this a must-read for fans of psychological dramas.

First Page:

Allsonntäglich saß der Bahnwärter Thiel in der Kirche zu Neu Zittau, ausgenommen die Tage, an denen er Dienst hatte oder krank war und zu Bette lag. Im Verlaufe von zehn Jahren war er zweimal krank gewesen; das eine Mal infolge eines vom Tender einer Maschine während des Vorbeifahrens herabgefallenen Stückes Kohle, welches ihn getroffen und mit zerschmettertem Bein in den Bahngraben geschleudert hatte; das andere Mal einer Weinflasche wegen, die aus dem vorüberrasenden Schnellzuge mitten auf seine Brust geflogen war... Continue reading book >>