Here we are introduced to the family and some of the ideas of the time. A dinner is held to celebrate the family's purchase of a new home and invite other family members and friends. The characters introduced are: Herr Johann Buddenbrook and his wife, Antonie. Son, Consul Jean Buddenbrook and his wife, Elisabeth (Kroger) and their 3 children, Thomas, Christian and Antonie. The extended family is mentioned, sister in Frankfurt and stepbrother (son of Herr Buddenbrook's 1st marriage) Gotthold. Also parents of Elisabeth.
Things discussed over the dinner include: The July Monarchy and changes being introduced from the influence of France.
"Trade schools and technical school and commercial schools are popping up like mushrooms, and grammar schools and classical education is suddenly all foolishness, and the whole world has nothing in it's head but coal mines and factories an making money."
The Zollverein or German Customs Union was a coalition of German states formed to manage tariffs and economic policies within their territories. Organized by the 1833 Zollverein treaties, the Zollverein formally started on 1 January 1834.
After the dinner Consul Buddenbrook shows letter to Herr Buddenbrook from Gotthold wanting his share of the house in monetary terms. His relationship with his father was damaged when he married a woman who owns a shop.
Question and thoughts: Interesting point I noted was the fact that the home they are now living in was built in 1682 by a then prosperous family but they had to sell due to their decline. Mann is introducing us to the idea of a cycle of events; prosperity followed by decline, right at the beginning. It is the same in nations if we look back at history. My thoughts at the beginning of this story are, is this cycle of events doomed to happen no matter what in families/nations?
Herr Johann Buddenbrook and his wife, Antonie.
Son, Consul Jean Buddenbrook and his wife, Elisabeth (Kroger) and their 3 children, Thomas, Christian and Antonie.
The extended family is mentioned, sister in Frankfurt and stepbrother (son of Herr Buddenbrook's 1st marriage) Gotthold. Also parents of Elisabeth.
Things discussed over the dinner include:
The July Monarchy and changes being introduced from the influence of France.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/July_Mo...
"Trade schools and technical school and commercial schools are popping up like mushrooms, and grammar schools and classical education is suddenly all foolishness, and the whole world has nothing in it's head but coal mines and factories an making money."
The Zollverein or German Customs Union was a coalition of German states formed to manage tariffs and economic policies within their territories. Organized by the 1833 Zollverein treaties, the Zollverein formally started on 1 January 1834.
After the dinner Consul Buddenbrook shows letter to Herr Buddenbrook from Gotthold wanting his share of the house in monetary terms. His relationship with his father was damaged when he married a woman who owns a shop.
Question and thoughts:
Interesting point I noted was the fact that the home they are now living in was built in 1682 by a then prosperous family but they had to sell due to their decline. Mann is introducing us to the idea of a cycle of events; prosperity followed by decline, right at the beginning. It is the same in nations if we look back at history. My thoughts at the beginning of this story are, is this cycle of events doomed to happen no matter what in families/nations?