The poetics of scepticism

Gottfried Keller is arguably the greatest prose writer of 19th century Switzerland. This study examines his best-known work, Die Leute von Seldwyla, a cycle of ten tales. By means of a close reading, this study uncovers a whole number of undercurrents and tensions in the seemingly sturdy narratives of rural life. In the range and thoughtfulness of his debate with the social, historical and psychological experience of his own age and culture, Keller emerges as a writer of significant stature.