The Plays of Arthur Schnitzler Vol. 1 (1892-1896)

New Translation of Four Masterpieces of Viennese Modernist Theater Austrian physician turned dramatist Arthur Schnitzler, whose works were burned by the Nazis as "Jewish filth" in 1933, today endures as one of modernism's essential voices. Set against the backdrop of fin-de-siècle (end-of-the-century) Vienna, these four plays interweave themes of art, love, and identity, with Schnitzler's unique psychological and compassionate insight portraying a society on the brink of transformation. This volume brings together four of his earliest works: Anatol (1892) — seven episodes in the life of a charming, self-deceiving young Viennese Das Märchen (1893) — a young writer confronts society's double standards about women Liebelei (1895) — a love affair with fatal consequences in imperial Vienna Freiwild (1896) — honour, cowardice, and the culture of the duel Each play features: New English Translations from the Original German Introductions providing literary and historical context Critical Analyses examining themes, dramatic structure, and each play's significance within Schnitzler's development as a playwright Act-by-Act Notes offering commentary on cultural references Author Biography Together these four plays trace the emergence of one of European modernism's most psychologically penetrating dramatists — from the witty, melancholic episodes of Anatol to the pointed social critique of Freiwild. A serious edition for readers, students, and scholars who want to engage with Schnitzler's early dramatic work fully and in depth. Schnitzler is perhaps best known to Western audiences as the author of Traumnovelle (Dream Story), the 1926 novella that served as the inspiration for Stanley Kubrick's final film, Eyes Wide Shut (1999). The plays in this volume predate Traumnovelle by three decades, revealing the younger Schnitzler finding his voice in imperial Vienna.