Lieutenant Gustl by Arthur Schnitzler

Set in early 20th-century Vienna, the story delves into the mind of a young Austrian officer who grapples with his internal conflicts and societal pressures. As he attends a concert, his thoughts wander, revealing his insecurities, prejudices, and the rigid expectations of military honor that govern his life. A seemingly trivial encounter spirals into a crisis of identity and purpose, forcing him to confront the fragility of his existence and the superficiality of the values he holds dear. Through a stream-of-consciousness narrative, the tale explores themes of existential angst and the struggle for authenticity in a conformist world.

The 3632nd greatest book of all time


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Published
1900
Nationality
Austrian
Length
Very Short
Pages
50-70
Original Language
German
Avg User Rating
(3.7)
Alternate Titles
- El Teniente Gustl
- Leutnant Gustl

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