The Devil: A Tragedy of the Heart and Conscience

Name: The Devil: A Tragedy of the Heart and Conscience
Availability: InStock
Author: Joseph O'Brien

by Joseph O'Brien

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Category: Novels

Language: EN
Format: EPUB
Size: 1.7 MB

Description

Set in the early 20th century, the novel presents a dramatised adaptation of Ferenc Molnár's play, focusing on themes of love, temptation, and moral conflict. The narrative revolves around Karl Mahler, a struggling artist, and Olga Hofmann, a young woman of striking beauty who is entangled in conflicting feelings and past relationships. The story examines the moral struggles of its characters during a dinner gathering involving Olga’s husband, Herman, highlighting the internal and external battles between good and evil. The work reflects early modern concerns with morality, human emotion, and social interaction, consistent with literary trends of the period. Its focus on character psychology and moral dilemmas situates it within the tradition of early 20th-century European drama and fiction.

The novel explores the personal conflicts that arise from desire, honour, and conscience, illustrating how characters grapple with their impulses and societal expectations. It aims to portray the intense emotional battles within individuals, emphasizing the enduring human struggle between right and wrong. The work functions as a reflection of contemporary concerns about morality and personal integrity, set against a social background characteristic of the early twentieth century.

From the opening pages

There is a great lesson for all women and men in this wonderful story. It is one that will impress with its power. But I am glad to say that I do not believe fully in its truth. The Devil here wins his victory, as he has won many. But each year, as men and women get better, the victories of Satan are fewer. Good men and good women fight against evil and do not yield. This tragic, heart-breaking story, by the wonderful new writer, tells one side of the battle between good and evil that goes on in every human heart. It has its lesson for all men and women. It is a powerful warning against playing with fire. Its lesson, taught in the downfall of the man and woman, is "Keep away from evil, and the appearance of evil." Beatrice Fairfax. THE CHARACTERS Karl Mahler An Artist Heinrich His Valet Mimi His Model Herman Hofmann A Banker Olga Hofmann The Banker's Wife The Devil Calling Himself Dr. Millar Elsa Berg An Heiress The scenes are laid in Vienna, Austria, in Karl Mahler's studio, and in the conservatory reception-room at the Hofmanns', and all the events transpire within the space of one day. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. PAGE Dr. Millar: "What an Ideal Couple You Two Would Make" Frontispiece Mimi: "You Do Not Love Me; You Have Ceased to Care for Me" 16 "Call Me Dr. Millar. My Social Position is Beyond Question" 40 "The Art Dealer," He Said Sarcastically 70 "They Seem to be Growing Fond of Each Other," Olga said Jealously 108 "Let Only Your Bare Neck Show Above Your Cloak, and the Tips of Your Shoes Beneath It" 115 "I Have Begun This, Let Me Finish It. Let Me Dictate This Letter" 136 "I Wanted To Feel That You Loved Me As I Hoped You Did" 173 Note :—The illustrations used in this book are reproduced from scenes in Henry W. Savage's production of "The Devil," the only version approved by the author. TABLE OF CONTENTS FOREWORD 3 9 19 34 45 56 72 83 88 104 134 156 162 168 175 THE MORAL OF "THE DEVIL" 185 THE DEVIL Herman Hofmann, the wealthy banker, and his beautiful young wife, Olga, had as their guest at dinner Karl Mahler, an artist. Some years earlier, before Hofmann married, Mahler, befriended by his family, had been sent away to…

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