Der Schwierige

Schwierige, Der, a comedy (Lustspiel) by H. von Hofmannsthal, published serialized in the Neue Freie Presse in 1920 and revised in book form in 1921. Though set after the 1914-18 War, it is enacted in an aristocratic environment recalling pre-war Vienna. The ‘difficult’ central character, Graf Hans Karl Bühl, is not prickly or irritable, but hesitant and unwilling to commit himself, doubtful of his ability to communicate, though he can in fact be the most charming conversationalist in the affable Austrian manner. Nor does he lack courage, for a career of service at the front lies behind him. The action of the comedy involves the bringing-together of the diffident Hans Karl and the delightful Helene Altenwyl, in which she is obliged in the end to take the initiative. This refined comedy, Hofmannsthal's most engaging work, asserts the values of humanity, decency, decorum, and urbanity, which are presented as characteristic of Viennese society before the 1914-18 War. They are highlighted by contrast with the German Neuhoff in his angular brashness.