The Sleepwalkers: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Sleepwalkers: Analysis of Major Characters" provides an in-depth exploration of the main figures within a narrative that reflects the socio-political dynamics of early 20th-century Europe, particularly during the tumultuous period of World War I. Central to the story is Joachim von Pasenow, a young German lieutenant who grapples with his identity and societal expectations, seeing his wife as an idealized figure. His journey is interwoven with the lives of other characters, such as Bertrand, a friend who transitions from military life to business, and Ruzena, a passionate Bohemian girl who complicates Joachim's personal life.
The interactions among these characters highlight themes of conflict, ambition, and the consequences of political strife, as seen through figures like Martin, a Socialist facing oppression, and Esch, a bookkeeper turned newspaperman who ultimately meets a tragic end during a workers' revolt. The character of Frau Hentjen serves as a poignant reminder of the personal costs of societal chaos. Through this rich tapestry of relationships and events, the narrative reflects the broader complexities and struggles of individuals caught in a rapidly changing world, offering readers insights into the human condition during a pivotal historical moment.
The Sleepwalkers: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Hermann Broch
First published: Die Schlafwandler, 1931–1932 (English translation, 1932): Pasenow: Oder, Die Romantik-1888, 1931 (The Romantic, 1932); Esch: Oder, Die Anarchie-1903, 193
Genre: Novel
Locale: Germany
Plot: Philosophical
Time: 1888–1918
Joachim von Pasenow (yoh-AH-khihm fon PAH-zeh-noh), a young German lieutenant who feels comfortable only in a uniform. He has odd ideas about his wife as a kind of madonna. By the end of World War I, he has become a major in the German army.
Bertrand, Joachim's friend. He leaves the army to become a businessman. He becomes Esch's enemy. He hires agents to provoke Martin, the Socialist, into trouble with the authorities.
Herr von Pasenow, Joachim's father, a funny, fat old man who embarrasses his son. He wants Joachim to marry Elisabeth and retire from the army to manage the family estates.
Ruzena (rew-ZEH-nah), a sensitive Bohemian girl who becomes Joachim von Pasenow's mistress. She shoots Bertrand, wounding him in the arm, when she thinks he is coming between her and her lover.
Elisabeth, Joachim von Pasenow's wife.
Martin, a Socialist. Bertrand has him harassed by the police and by hired baiters.
Esch (ehsh), a German bookkeeper who becomes a theatrical manager and, later, a newspaperman. During a workers' revolt in 1918, he is murdered by Huguenau, who stabs him with a bayonet.
Frau Hentjen (HEHNT-yehn), a restaurant keeper. She becomes Esch's mistress and, later, his wife. She is raped by Huguenau shortly before he murders her husband.
Helmuth von Pasenow (HEHL-mewt), Joachim's brother, killed in a duel.
Korn, a customs inspector. He is Esch's friend and landlord.
Lohberg, a tobacconist and Esch's friend.
Erna Korn, the customs inspector's sister, desperate to be married.
Teltscher (TEHLT-shehr), a Hungarian knife thrower.
Ilona (ee-LOH-nah), a flashy blonde. She is Teltscher's human target in his act.
Gernerth (GEHR-nehrt), a theatrical manager who becomes Esch's partner.
Huguenau (HEW-geh-now), an Alsatian businessman who looks after himself and takes what he wants.
Marie, a Salvation Army girl attracted to a Talmudic Jew.
Hanna, a lawyer's wife.