Effi Briest

Effi Briest is a novel written by Theodor Fontane and published in 1895. Set in 19th-century Germany, the story follows the life of Effi Briest, a young woman who enters into a socially advantageous but ultimately troubled marriage.

Effi Briest, at the age of 17, marries Baron Geert von Innstetten, a much older and respected man who holds a high position in the Prussian government. The marriage is arranged by Effi's parents for financial and social reasons. Initially, Effi is excited about her new life and the social status it brings.

However, as the years pass, Effi's marriage becomes increasingly strained. She finds herself living in a remote and isolated town, with her husband often absent on business. Effi's loneliness and boredom lead her into a brief affair with Major Crampas, a charming and reckless military officer.

When Effi's affair is discovered, her husband reacts with severe indignation and demands a divorce. Effi's reputation is ruined, and she is forced to leave her home and daughter. The consequences of her actions weigh heavily on Effi, and she becomes a social outcast, isolated and plagued by guilt.

Effi Briest is a novel that explores the constraints of 19th-century German society and the limitations placed on women. Fontane delves into themes of societal expectations, marital infidelity, and the consequences of choices made in youth. The novel also examines the harsh judgments and unforgiving nature of society towards women who transgress societal norms.