Summary

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

Reinhard Werner, an old man, recounts the days of his youth and, in particular, a girl named Elizabeth. When they were children, Reinhard and Elizabeth were close friends. Reinhard, being five years Elizabeth's senior, entertains her by writing stories for her. Though he is only ten years old, he feels certain he wants to be with Elizabeth forever. He entertains a dream of moving to India with Elizabeth, which he shares with her. Though initially hesitant, she agrees.

In his late teenage years, Reinhard dreads the prospect of leaving Elizabeth to go to school. As a send-off for Reinhard, a picnic is held in the woods, and Reinhard and Elizabeth become lost for a time. This experience only intensifies Reinhard's passion.

During Christmastime at school, Reinhard takes a fleeting interest in a musician girl while at a student bar. She begins to reciprocate, but Reinhard is interrupted by news of a package that has been delivered for him. It is filled with gifts and a letter from Elizabeth, who scolds him for not writing her stories. Reinhard is filled with homesickness.

Reinhard visits Elizabeth at Easter, but the two seem to have lost some of their closeness. A former classmate named Erich seems to be courting Elizabeth, and Elizabeth's mother is supportive of the match and disdainful toward Reinhard. Elizabeth is made uncomfortable by the many poems that Reinhard has written her. Desperate, Reinhard makes Elizabeth promise to still love him after his absence. After two years, however, Reinhard receives the news that Erich and Elizabeth are engaged.

After a few years, Reinhard visits the couple. He is asked to perform some of his folksongs and sings a song about a girl who married only because of her mother's wishes. Elizabeth turns emotional and leaves. Later, Reinhard attempts to swim to a water lily in the lake but returns to shore for fear of drowning.

Reinhard at last gets a bit of alone time with Elizabeth, but neither of them can properly express their feelings. He plans to depart unexpectedly and leaves a note, but Elizabeth anticipates this. Once again, words fail them. They finally agree that they can never see each other again, and Reinhard never comes back.

The narrative returns to an elderly Reinhard contemplating these events and seeing a water lily through the window. Like the one in the lake, it seems just out of grasp. He returns to his studies.

Get Ahead with eNotes

Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Next

Critical Essays

Loading...