Lucinde

Lucinde, a novel written by F. Schlegel, published in 1799. It is described as ‘Ein Roman. Erster Teil’, but no second part followed. It has virtually no plot and is concerned mainly with the hero's erotic feelings for Lucinde. Though it caused a scandal, it is hardly concerned with physical detail. In so far as it has a development, it is the education of Julius to true love with Lucinde, after earlier experiences of false love. It is partly in the form of letters (see Briefroman) and includes a passage of dialogue. The prose, particularly towards the close, is rhythmic and at times ecstatic. The autobiographical element, as well as Schlegel's deliberate departure from the model of Goethe's Bildungsroman, are noteworthy features.