Essay Questions

How does the author explore the theme of true love in the novel ‘Tristan’?

Frau realizes that true love exists when she first meets Herr Spinell. Currently, Frau is married to Kloterjahn, and they have a son together. Frau is brought as a patient to the Einfried to seek medical care. Herr is romantically attracted to Frau when he first interacts with her. The two strike a conversation, and they get closer every day. Herr fails to understand how Kloterjahn managed to marry the beautiful flower before him. Herr also realizes that Kloterjahn does not give Frau maximum attention.

On the other hand, being close to Herr makes Frau feel truly loved, and she begins to reflect on the mistakes and choices she made many years ago. However, this true love does not materialize because Kloterjahn comes back with his son to check on Frau. Herr does not like the idea that Kloterjahn is back because he is becoming a barrier to the relationship he is about to form with Frau.

How emblematic is the character, Herr Spinell?

Frau realizes that Spinell has a rare personality because her interaction with him for the first day makes her realizes the mistakes she made in her life. The reader knows that Spinell is an extraordinary valuable metal that cannot be found easily. Therefore, Herr Spinell embodies a trait of humanity. Spinell is a conscious individual, and he handles Frau with caution and affection that she has never experienced. Spinell realizes that Frau has not exploited her talent when he notes that she is talented in playing the piano. Spinell’s concern over Frau's well-being and success make her think she got married to the wrong person.

Why is Herr Spinell finding Frau Kloterjahn attractive to him?

The author introduces Herr as a calm person who does not speak to anybody in Winfried. However, when he sees Frau for the first time, he finds her attractive and develops an interest in communicating with her. The main reason why Herr falls for Frau is that he realizes that she is an artist even if she is not aware. Here is an artist and author; hence, she finds commonality with Frau. Herr confirms that Frau is a talented artist when she plays the piano excellently. Therefore, Herr falls for Frau because they share a common goal and vision.