Four one-act plays: Streaks of Light The Last Visit Margot The Far-Away Princess Hermann Sudermann (1857 - 1928) dominated the German stage for nearly a quarter century, and was considered one of the greatest figures in contemporary German literature. He studied philosophy and history at Konigsberg University, and continued to write right up to his death, his last play appearing in 1925 and his last novel in 1928. Sudermann achieved surprising success in passing from novel-writing to dramatic authorship. He had a style of utmost distinction, and was well skilled in technique.
Educated at Koningsberg University and the University of Berlin, Sudermann had to give up his studies because of financial difficulties. He worked for a time as a tutor before becoming a journalist in Bern, Switzerland. He returned to Germany in 1881 and became the editor of the Deutsches Reichsblatt. Thereafter, he devoted himself to writing. In 1886, he published Zweilicht, his first novel, and followed in 1887 with Frau Sorge, which was critically acclaimed. His first drama, Die Ehre, or The Honour appeared in 1889 and was enormously successful. Sudermann also produced a number of short stories. His other works include Geschwister (1888), Der Katzensteg (1890), Sodoms Ende (1891), Die Heimat (1893), Morituri (1896), Es Lebe das Leben! (1902), Es War (1904) and Stein unter Steinen (1905).