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Goethes 19thcentury novel, Elective Affinities conveys the age-old comparisonbetween passion and reason. The catalyst for this presentation takes the shape

of the novels four main characters; Edward, Ottilie, Charlotte, and the Captain. It

is important to note the use of the term comparison as oppose to conflict asthis is due to Goethes removed style of writing in which he offers his readers

more an account of what takes place, as oppose to an analysis. Having said so,Goethes observations of the four major characters in the text, do provide a

critical view of their personas.

Charlotte is a very powerful character whose patience and understanding

behavior is derived from her loyalty to reason. She recognizes passion when it is

present, however she is able to quell her desires (in relation to the Captain) for

the betterment of her marriage. For the good of all the members of our little

circle and we ourselves must not be afraid of making sacrifices (p. 161). This isnot to say that she does not feel. Before she was half-way there, the tears were

streaming from her eyes and [she] gave herself up to agony (p. 118). Goetheplants humanism in Charlottes character by projecting her sense of grief, after

she hears of the Captains impending departure. Furthermore, Charlotte displays

great compassion towards Ottilie, despite the fact that Ottilie has taken her place

in Edwards heart.The more she [Charlotte] understood her own heart the

deeper she was able to penetrate into the heart of the poor girl [Ottilie] (p. 141).While one may laud Charlottes dedication to rationalism, she seems to be navein her understanding of those around her. She confronts Edward about their

troubled marriage after the captain leaves and ironically, it is nave of her to

assume that Edward will be able to adopt her level of maturity on the matter.

In many ways Charlotte may be viewed as a female reflection of the captain. TheCaptain is the epitome of the debonair hero. His actions and speech both

establish a very respectable and levelheaded character. Like Charlotte, he does

not get carried away with his passion or love for her. Respecting her reputation,

as well as the moral fibers of marriage, he bows out of his growing romance with

Charlotte. The captain leaves without mourning his passion, gently and

affectionately he now told her that his time for leaving them approached (p.158). His heroic quality is most effectively presented when he saves the boy

from drowning during the festivities for Ottilies birthday. Goethe honors the

Captains character by allotting him these heroic tendencies, however he also

provides the captain with the characteristic of being very pedantic. His name

itself, listed as the Captain, suggests his authoritative role and attitude towards

life. [quote] For the captain, distinctions are very black and white, and passion is

hardly something worth the trouble of the repercussions it unleashes.

Edward and Ottilie are almost polar opposites of Charlotte and the Captain. Both

pairs represent a certain type of love, and subsequently a certain type of person.

Edward is much older than Ottilie, yet he appears even less mature than the

schoolgirl. Though married to Charlotte, he allows his passions to run wild. My

fate and Ottilies cannot be divided, and shall not be shipwrecked. Look at this

glass; our initials are engraved upon it (184). One might consider him to be the

embodiment of the romantic hero, yet in light of the responsibilities that societyimposes on him; his actions are seen to be very juvenile and irrational. Whether

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it is the elaborate effort that he exerts in the preparation for Ottilies birthday, orhis flagrant disregard for the dodged tragedy of the drowning boy, it is obvious

that Edwards love for Ottilie impairs his judgment on other matters that

demand more respect and consideration. It was only for you that they wereprovide, Ottilie, and you shall be the only one to see them! is what Edward

announces after the party has dispersed (156). Goethe uses Edward to highlightthe problems of people who are solely motivated by their passions. Unlike Ottilie,

Edward does not have heightened moral qualities that eclipse his devotion to

passion. And unlike the Captain, Edward does not face the problems that he

encounters. Instead, he chooses to isolate himself and wallow in his own grief.

Edward says to the Mitler, I do not know how I could spend my time more

agreeably (p. 180). This indicates his selfishness in that he chooses to tend to

his grief above his duties as a husband.

Ottilie is like Edward in that she allows herself to be consumed by her love. It is

easy to exonerate her from the blame of disrespecting her host (Charlotte) and

the entire notion of marriage based on her age, however she comes across as a

very precocious girl. Edward is her first love, which should definitely be

considered in the passion that she develops towards him. This is because it too

serves to excuse her of being coined a home-wrecker. Although Ottilie fuels the

relationship just as much as Edward, she is able to look beyond herself on many

occasions. The greatest example of a change in attitude results in the birth of

Otto. When Ottilie is carrying the infant in her arms she beings to see thingsclearly and this realization leads to her discovery that her love, if it would

perfect itself, must become altogether unselfish (285). For the life of the child,Ottilie decides to sacrifice the hope of actualizing her affection for Edward.

Goethe also heightens Ottilies character and presents her moral qualitiessymbolically through the architects subconscious creation of her face on the

mausoleum.

Furthermore, the only character of Ottilies age that the reader might wish tocompare her with is Charlottes daughter, Luciana. Luciana is very loquacious

and comes across as someone who craves attention. She is rude, imprudent, yet

encouraged by those around her. Especially when compared to her, Ottiliesmoral qualities are bought to the forefront. Her quiet demeanor in public, and

her mature diary entries offer Ottilie's character a reflective and mature quality

that may almost be considered divine. It is these qualities that allow the reader

to sympathize with Ottilie. The reader discovers that she is not selfish like

Edward, but rather well grounded. Her humanism and moral consideration of

society bridge the gap between the reader and her character; a sense of empathy

is developed.