Cet auteur suisse, issu d'une famille de pasteurs, a axé son écriture sur la vie des gens ordinaires et des communautés rurales. Ses œuvres, écrites en allemand avec des touches du dialecte bernois, offrent des représentations réalistes de la vie de village sans en masquer les défauts. Bien qu'il ait commencé à écrire tardivement, il est devenu un romancier prolifique et important dans le monde germanophone, célébré pour sa voix authentique et sa profonde compréhension de la nature humaine. Ses œuvres les plus notables explorent des thèmes tels que la moralité, les dynamiques sociales et la lutte de l'individu contre l'adversité et le mal.
Le secret de la peste, des maladies animales... et du diable! Cette célèbre nouvelle de Gotthelf se déroule lors d'un baptême, dans une ferme de l'Emmental: dans la nouvelle maison, le vieux montant d'une fenêtre, un «Bystal», attire l'attention... Percez le secret de ce montant, du trou et du bouchon qui y est enfoncé, découvrez l'histoire de l'épidémie de peste qui a fait rage au Moyen-Âge, le rôle du diable, et ce que vient faire ici une araignée mortelle
The narrative unfolds in a rural Swiss village, where the protagonist, a businessman, encounters five young women struggling with alcoholism. Through conversations with a local farmer, he learns about their tragic lives. Jeremias Gotthelf, the pseudonym of Albert Bitzius, captures the harsh realities of 19th-century rural life with striking realism and powerful language. His works adeptly intertwine Christian and humanistic themes, showcasing his unique ability to portray both people and landscapes vividly.
Set in the Bern region after 1834, the story follows Uli, a farmer grappling with the harsh realities of human nature while also finding support in his community. After marrying Vreneli, he takes on the challenging lease of Glungge, where family dynamics and financial struggles create tension. Uli's conflicting views on household management with Vreneli highlight their relationship, as he prioritizes saving money over compassion. Through vivid prose, Jeremias Gotthelf captures the complexities of 19th-century rural life, intertwining Christian and humanistic themes.
After one of their own people repeatedly fails to live up to a pact with the Devil, a petty and morally bankrupt village community is terrorized by a succession of deadly black spiders.
A classic tale of rural life and the struggle for survival, set in the Swiss countryside in the early nineteenth century. With its vivid characters and evocative descriptions, this book is an unforgettable portrait of a bygone era.
The preservation of this historically significant work aims to ensure its continued relevance for both present and future readers. By republishing it in a modern format, the book's importance is highlighted, allowing new generations to engage with its timeless themes and insights.
The narrative explores the consequences faced by a morally bankrupt village community after a member breaks a pact with the Devil, leading to a deadly swarm of black spiders. Through a complex structure, the novella offers a sharp critique of the corrupt social dynamics and ethical failures within rural life, serving as a cautionary tale about the repercussions of moral decay.
Set against the backdrop of 19th-century rural life, the narrative unfolds with a blend of stark realism and deep emotional resonance. The protagonist, Käthi, grapples with fear and anxiety as a storm rages outside. Her fervent prayers reflect her struggle against overwhelming dread, capturing the tension between faith and human vulnerability. As the tempest subsides, a rainbow symbolizes hope and divine grace, illustrating Gotthelf's ability to intertwine Christian themes with the human experience. His vivid depictions bring both characters and landscapes to life.
Exploring the tension between material wealth and spiritual fulfillment, this philosophical treatise delves into how the pursuit of money can lead to moral decay and emptiness. Drawing on diverse religious and philosophical traditions, it emphasizes that true happiness stems from purpose and meaning rather than wealth accumulation. The chapters address themes such as greed, the importance of generosity, and the value of productive work, ultimately posing a profound question about what constitutes a good life.