Der Hagestolz

Hagestolz, Der, a Novelle by A. Stifter written in 1843 and first published in shortened form in the periodical Iris in 1844. Its full text was published in vol. 5 of Studien in 1850 Der Hagestolz is an encounter between youth and age. Viktor, an orphan brought up in a loving and sheltered environment, is summoned to spend some weeks with his uncle, whom he has never seen, before taking up an official post. At the uncle's bidding he makes the journey on foot and is then rowed to the remote island where the uncle lives. His reception is bleak, and the atmosphere of the uncle's house is stern and suspicious. Gradually the freshness and integrity of the young man impinge upon the uncle, whose harsh personality undergoes a partial thaw. The two learn mutual respect and a certain affection, but the uncle can no longer change his personality and secluded life. Through his integrity and generosity Viktor is able to abandon a cramping administrative career and to live independently. He marries his foster-sister, Hanna.

The most remarkable features of the story are the powerful portrayal of the stern, rugged uncle, and the evocative and sympathetic description of the anonymous but obviously Upper Austrian Alpine lake landscape.