This story of a person who does their utmost yet still falls short is one of the most significant novels from the medical milieu of German literature. However, the central theme is not the field of ophthalmology depicted with vivid expertise, but rather the generational conflict between a patriarchal-authoritarian specialist who understands how to exploit and dominate his fellow human beings as well as the professional career and private life of his son, who remains mysteriously subservient to him. The father's disastrous influence extends to the point where it becomes impossible for the son to establish lasting partner relationships.