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47 pages 1 hour read

Spring Awakening: A Children’s Tragedy

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1891

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Book Brief

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Frank Wedekind

Spring Awakening

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1891
Book Details
Pages

112

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Germany • 1890s

Publication Year

1891

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Spring Awakening: A Children’s Tragedy by Frank Wedekind chronicles a group of teenagers navigating puberty in sexually repressive provincial Germany. Wendla, Melchior, and Moritz grapple with societal norms and their burgeoning desires amid abusive households, academic pressures, and misunderstandings about sex, leading to tragic consequences. The play depicts rape and death by suicide.

Mysterious

Dark

Unnerving

Emotional

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

4.2

54 ratings

78%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Frank Wedekind's Spring Awakening has been praised for its bold exploration of adolescent sexuality and societal repression. Critics commend its raw, emotional depth and progressive themes, though some find its approach dated and heavy-handed. The portrayal of teenage angst and boundary-pushing content leaves a lasting impact, ensuring its relevance in modern discussions.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Spring Awakening?

Readers who enjoy Spring Awakening by Frank Wedekind are often drawn to coming-of-age tales that explore the turbulence of adolescence. Fans of The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger or Lord of the Flies by William Golding will appreciate its candid depiction of youthful angst, societal pressure, and sexual awakening.

4.2

54 ratings

78%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Melchior Gabor

One of the main characters, Melchior is a knowledgeable and rebellious teenager who grapples with the expectations and hypocrisies of the adult world around him.

Moritz is a 15-year-old boy overwhelmed by academic pressure and his developing sexuality, feeling isolated as he struggles to meet the high demands placed on him by his parents and society.

Wendla is a 14-year-old girl kept ignorant about sex and reproduction by her mother, showcasing a curiosity and intelligence as she navigates the confusing messages of her prudish environment.

A teenage student who struggles with his sexual awakening, Hansy reacts against his conservative upbringing by acting on his desires in a manner that complicates his friendships.

Wendla’s mother, who is torn between her daughter's demands for knowledge about sex and her fear of social repercussions, ultimately making choices that significantly impact Wendla's life.

Melchior’s progressive-minded mother, Fanny often contradicts her ideals with more conservative actions, especially when responding to crises involving the teenagers around her.

An older girl who rebels against her restrictive upbringing by associating with city artists, Ilse stands apart from her peers through her candidness about sex.

A mysterious figure who appears unexpectedly and guides Melchior through a pivotal moment, representing wisdom and future insight.

Book Details
Pages

112

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Germany • 1890s

Publication Year

1891

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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