Theodor Fontane

Theodor Fontane represents German literary realism master considered greatest 19th-century German novelist between Goethe death and Thomas Mann advent, establishing modern realistic fiction, Prussian society portrayal, social code examination. Neuruppin Brandenburg birth (1819-1898) to French Huguenot family includes father pharmacy ownership, gambling debts family moves, parents separation, university unaffordability, pharmacy apprenticeship, Berlin literary society Tunnel über der Spree participation. Career development encompasses 1849 full-time journalism writing transition, England correspondent, Prussian intelligence agency employment, British affairs specialization, London assignment, family support, professional establishment. Literary achievement includes age 58 first novel writing, 1880s-1890s productive decades, poetic realism development, undistorted life reflection aim, 19th-century realism tradition, social origins depiction. Major works encompass Vor dem Sturm (1879) Napoleon liberation panorama, L Adultera (1882), Effi Briest (1895) masterpiece, Der Stechlin (1898), Prussian aristocracy portrayal, middle class emergence, social transformation. Effi Briest significance includes Thomas Mann 1919 six novel library inclusion, Anna Karenina Madame Bovary thematic comparison, adultery tragedy, female perspective, social critique, literary excellence. Prussian society analysis encompasses Junker class decline portrayal, social code examination, female protagonists circumscription, gesellschafts-etwas social something, aristocratic values critique, military state indictment. Modern recognition includes literary education, realism tradition, German literature, social analysis, cultural heritage, international literature creating exceptional German literary heritage, realism achievement, social critique, international literary significance.