«Elective Affinities» in German with a Parallel Translation

The main theme of the novel "Elective Affinity", which was published in 1809, is the natural law of chemistry - the property of elements to break the previous connection spontaneously and enter into a new one. However, Goethe considers this law in relation to human relationships. A happily married couple, Charlotte and Eduard, invite Eduard's old friend, Otto, and his adopted daughter, Charlotte Ottilie, to their home. Edward and Ottilie are just as attracted to each other as Charlotte and Otto. While the latter renounce their love, Edward and Ottilie succumb to their feelings.