Gertrude

Originally printed in 1910 in Munich, Getrude is Hesse's literary tribute and interpretation of Nietzsche' The Birth of Tragedy. Here you see the Dionysian contrasted against the Apollonian elements, and the conflict between these two meta-archetypes creates the tragedy.

It tells the story of the musician Kuhn, who is also the narrator of the story, and his love for the beautiful Gertrud Imthor, who sees him only as a friend. Kuhn, whose first name is not mentioned, pursues a pretty girl named Liddy while studying music, which leads to a risky sledding adventure in the dark that results in a multiple fracture in his left leg and a permanent limp. Despite this, Kuhn's talent for composition is recognized by a theory teacher at the conservatory, and he eventually composes a song called "The Avalanche Song". He later befriends the successful opera singer Heinrich Muoth, despite hearing rumors of Muoth's abusive behavior toward women. Over time, Kuhn becomes well known among music lovers and eventually meets Gertrud Imthor, the daughter of a wealthy manufacturer who is also a music lover. Kuhn and Gertrud develop a deep friendship and musical partnership, but Kuhn's feelings for Gertrud grow stronger, and he struggles to suppress them due to his physical disability.