The Story

Läuffer takes a job as a private tutor, or 'Hofmeister', for Major von Berg's family. His job is to prepare the son for university and keep the daughter, Gustchen, properly educated. But life in a secluded country estate is lonely. Läuffer and Gustchen, both trapped by strict social rules, find a dangerous connection. Their growing closeness threatens to blow up the family's reputation. The play follows the messy fallout for everyone involved—the tutor, the student, and the parents who thought they had everything under control.

Why You Should Read It

For a play written 250 years ago, this feels incredibly fresh. Lenz doesn't give us easy villains. You'll feel for Läuffer, who is both a victim of the system and makes terrible choices. Gustchen isn't just a passive love interest; she's pushing against the tiny world she's allowed to inhabit. The play crackles with tension about who has power and who doesn't—between parents and children, men and women, the wealthy and those who work for them. It's a psychological drama dressed in period costume.

Final Verdict

Perfect for anyone who loves character-driven stories where people make flawed, human decisions. If you enjoy historical fiction that explores social issues, or plays that feel more like gripping novels, you'll find a lot here. It's a short, potent read that proves some dramas—about family pressure, forbidden love, and searching for a place to belong—are truly timeless.