Kindred by Choice (The Elective Affinities)

Download or read book Kindred by Choice (The Elective Affinities) written by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and published by e-artnow. This book was released on 2019-06-03 with total page 224 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Elective Affinities term describes the tendency of chemical species to combine with certain substances or species in preference to others. The novel is based on the metaphor of human passions being governed or regulated by the laws of chemical affinity, and examines whether or not the science and laws of chemistry undermine or uphold the institution of marriage, as well as other human social relations. The story is situated around the city of Weimar. Goethe's main characters are Eduard and Charlotte, an aristocratic couple both in their second marriage, enjoying an idyllic but semi-dull life on the grounds of their rural estate. They invite the Captain, Eduard's childhood friend, and Ottilie, the beautiful, orphaned, coming-of-age niece of Charlotte, to live with them...