Das Erdbeben in Chili
Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 1981
32
Short Story • Fiction
Santiago, Chile • 1640s
1981
Adult
18+ years
In "Das Erdbeben in Chili," Heinrich von Kleist tells the story of people experiencing a devastating earthquake in 17th-century Santiago, Chile. The narrative follows their struggles for survival and explores themes of fate, societal judgment, and human resilience in the aftermath of a natural disaster.
Dark
Unnerving
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Melancholic
1,645 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Das Erdbeben in Chili is lauded for its intense exploration of human emotion amid chaos. Critics praise Kleist's adept portrayal of moral ambiguity and societal critique. However, some find the narrative overly tragic and the character development lacking depth. The novella's pacing and evocative imagery keep readers engaged despite its darker themes.
A reader who enjoys Das Erdbeben in Chili would appreciate intense, dramatic narratives and philosophical exploration akin to Camus' The Plague. This work suits those intrigued by moral dilemmas, the unpredictability of fate, and early 19th-century literature with a focus on human nature's complexities.
1,645 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
32
Short Story • Fiction
Santiago, Chile • 1640s
1981
Adult
18+ years
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