
In a bustling German village, a lively troupe of characters gathers—nobles, servants, and country folk—all drawn into a tangled web of affection and ambition. The play opens with the charismatic Baron Wildenhaim and his spirited daughter Amelia, whose bold heart threatens to upset the delicate balance of class and propriety. Meanwhile, the clever but modest Butler Verdun supplies witty verses that hint at deeper schemes beneath the surface.
Amelia’s sudden confession of love to a young officer challenges the expectations of her family and the rigid social order, setting off a series of misunderstandings and heartfelt debates. As the Baron wrestles with his own pride and the desire to protect his son, the cottagers and their wives add both humor and sympathy, revealing how love can bridge even the widest gaps. The first act balances tender sentiment with sharp satire, inviting listeners to glimpse the fragile dance between duty and desire in a world where reputation means everything.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (101K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2003-10-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1753–1821
An English novelist, actress, and dramatist, she moved from the stage into a successful writing career and became one of the best-known literary women of her time. Her fiction is still remembered for its sharp social observation and emotional force.
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1761–1819
A hugely popular playwright in his own day, this German man of letters wrote comedies and dramas that traveled quickly across European stages. His life ended violently after years of political controversy, giving his story an unusual place in both literary and European history.
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