Buddenbrooks

After eight years abroad, Christian Buddenbrook returns from the tropics with an air of preoccupation. The family, still in mourning, visits Jean’s grave, and Tony’s outward display of grief contrasts with her brothers’ more restrained emotions. Christian’s state of mind and embarrassment at Tony’s outward expression of grief reveals his discomfort with family sentiments and his odd fascination with death.

Thomas assigns Christian the task of handling English correspondence for the firm. Christian’s initial enthusiasm for the job wanes as he becomes distracted by activities at his social club, leading to neglect of his duties. Tensions rise between the brothers.

Uncle Gotthold passes away at 60 years old. His death prompts Thomas to contemplate the balance between personal desires and professional responsibilities. While empathetic towards Gotthold and his difficult position in the family, he also thinks that Gotthold made a mistake in following his heart and marrying outside of his social class.

Bethsy’s increased religious devotion following her husband’s death proves not a passing phase but a deliberate choice to maintain Jean’s spiritual legacy. As a result, many members of the clergy enter the family’s home daily. Tony, skeptical of the visiting clergy’s sincerity, challenges their righteousness.

Pastor Sievert Tiburtius arrives in town to stay with the Buddenbrook family. He extends his visit, becoming increasingly attentive to Clara Buddenbrook, Bethsy’s austere youngest daughter. After a family outing, Tiburtius proposes to Clara, who accepts. Bethsy, pleased with the match, plans to consult her son before giving her final blessing. Tiburtius prepares to leave for Riga and the family plans a vacation.

Thomas writes from Amsterdam, expressing his consent to his sister Clara’s engagement to Pastor Tiburtius. He shares his own good news—he is engaged to Gerda Arnoldsen, a match he is delighted with not only for love but also for the considerable dowry she brings.

Thomas returns from Amsterdam with Gerda. Christian, who suffers from constant leg pain, takes a vacation to rehabilitate. The family prepares for Clara’s wedding to Pastor Tiburtius and Thomas’s marriage to Gerda, planning celebrations and honeymoons.

Seven months after their wedding, Thomas and Gerda return from their honeymoon in Italy to their new home on Breite Strasse, warmly welcomed by Tony. Their new house, arranged by Tony, impresses them with its comfort and elegance. While Gerda rests, Thomas and Tony discuss life changes, Tony’s desire for a new start, and her plans to visit friends in Munich. Thomas reflects on his happiness with Gerda, acknowledging her unique character and artistic inclination, different from anyone in the Buddenbrook family.

After Jean’s death, the family home on Meng Strasse becomes quieter, with fewer social gatherings. Thomas and Gerda host a stylish dinner party, impressing their social circle. Meanwhile, Tony writes from Munich, sharing her experiences and observations of the local customs with humor. She mentions enjoying the company of Herr Permaneder, a hops merchant. Thomas and Bethsy exchange impressions about Tony’s vivacious nature.

Tony returns home from Munich in good spirits due to her budding interest in Herr Permaneder. Thomas’s relationship with Christian worsens, largely due to what Thomas considers Christian’s erratic behavior and lack of discretion in both his professional and personal life. Thomas feels contempt for Christian, who remains indifferent to the tension. Their mother mediates their disputes.

Thomas confronts Christian after hearing about a tactless remark Christian made at the social club, which resulted in a public rebuke. Thomas expresses his anger and frustration, criticizing Christian for his irresponsible behavior and its impact on the family’s reputation. Christian becomes defensive, and Thomas suggests that Christian might find more satisfaction by investing his inheritance in a firm elsewhere. Christian considers the idea and leaves for Hamburg.

Herr Permaneder arrives from Munich to visit the Buddenbrook family. The meeting is awkward due to language barriers and Permaneder’s unconventional appearance and manners.

Permaneder’s Bavarian mannerisms and speech contrast with the more reserved demeanor and conversation of the Buddenbrooks. However, the family, especially Tony, engages with him warmly. Thomas extends an invitation for Permaneder to stay with them, which he accepts.

In a conversation with Ida Jungmann, Tony expresses her reservations about Permaneder’s rough manners and lack of compatibility with her family. However, she acknowledges his good nature and potential to offer her and Erika a stable life. Tony reflects on her past marriage, her desire for a second chance, and the expectations of her family, especially her brother Thomas, who sees this marriage as an opportunity to restore her status and contribute positively to the family’s reputation. Tony concludes that marrying Permaneder is a practical and necessary step.

Tony marries Permaneder in a modest ceremony, reflecting Tony’s status as a second-time bride and the desire to avoid excessive fanfare. The union is seen as an attempt to mend past difficulties and start anew.

Thomas starts his mornings early, engaging in civic affairs while being shaved by Herr Wenzel, his barber and town council member. Their discussions range from world events to local matters. Despite a busy schedule, Thomas maintains a balance between work, social obligations, and family life. However, concerns loom regarding his siblings Christian and Clara’s health. Thomas also worries about the absence of a male heir to continue the family name.

Tony faces cultural challenges in Munich, struggling to adapt to a new lifestyle. She is greatly disappointed when Permaneder decides to retire after receiving her dowry, abandoning his business ambitions for a leisurely life. This decision crushes Tony’s hopes for a productive and engaging life. The situation worsens with the stillbirth of their child and the strain on their relationship increases. Tony’s letters reveal her despair and reversion to a childlike perspective regarding her misfortunes.

Tony returns to her family home in distress, having left her husband, Permaneder, after a scandalous incident in which Tony walked in on her husband’s attempt to force himself onto their maid, Babette. The incident, combined with Permaneder’s lack of ambition and respect for Tony and their family name, drives her to flee Munich for her mother’s house. Bethsy offers comfort and understanding, but downplays Permaneder’s faults.

Tony retreats to her room, avoiding a meeting with Thomas, who later has a long conversation with their mother about Tony’s situation. When Thomas visits Tony, they engage in a heart-to-heart discussion. Tony is adamant about not returning to her husband after the humiliating incident. Despite Thomas’s attempts to downplay the situation and persuade her to reconsider, Tony’s mind is made up. She passionately recounts her unhappiness in Munich, where she feels out of place and disrespected. Thomas, realizing he cannot change her mind, leaves her room, acknowledging the gravity of her decision.

Tony consults an attorney for legal advice on her divorce, only to find that the incident does not provide sufficient grounds for divorce. Nonetheless, she instructs Thomas to write to Permaneder. To everyone’s surprise, Permaneder agrees to the divorce, expressing regret, wishing Tony happiness, and even offering to return her dowry. The divorce process moves forward with Tony actively involved, discussing legal terms with enthusiasm. The divorce is granted, and Tony enters the fact into the family records. She adjusts to her new situation with dignity, distancing herself from society and focusing on her family and Erika’s upbringing.