Study paper from 2011 in the field of German Studies - Modern German Literature, grade: 1.3, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, course: HS Mme Bovary, Anna Karenina, Effi Briest, language: German. Abstract: "A novel library of the most rigorous selection (...) it should not miss 'Effi Briest'." This is how Thomas Mann expressed himself about Theodor Fontane's novel, which is likely the most well-known. The narrative is also considered the (final) pinnacle of poetic realism in Germany, before naturalism and other literary movements took hold. At first glance, Fontane seems to have created a type of woman with the main character who does not fit the image of the time: Effi appears somewhat willful and curious. Furthermore, her actions are characterized by exuberance and...