Kleider machen Leute

About the Author

Gottfried Keller

Gottfried Keller (1819-1890) stands as one of the most significant Swiss literary figures of the 19th century, renowned for his masterful prose and poetic realism. Born in Zürich to a middle-class family, Keller's life was shaped by early hardship following his father's death when he was just five years old. His formal education was irregular and often troubled, ending prematurely after he was unjustly expelled from school at fifteen. Aspiring initially to become a painter, Keller studied art in Munich from 1840 to 1842 but eventually abandoned this career path upon recognizing his greater talent for writing. His literary career developed slowly, beginning with poetry before he found his true voice in narrative prose. A pivotal moment came when a stipend from the Zürich government enabled him to study in Heidelberg and Berlin from 1848 to 1855. During this period, he developed his distinctive literary style, blending sharp observation of ordinary life with moral reflection and gentle humor. Upon returning to Switzerland, Keller worked as the First Official Secretary (Staatsschreiber) of the Canton of Zürich from 1861 to 1876, a position that provided financial stability while informing his understanding of civic life and human affairs. His literary works are characterized by psychological depth, social insight, and a unique blend of realism and symbolism. Keller's masterpiece, the semi-autobiographical novel 'Der grüne Heinrich' (Green Henry), underwent multiple revisions throughout his career and stands as a definitive bildungsroman of German literature. His collection of novellas 'Die Leute von Seldwyla' (The People of Seldwyla), which includes 'Kleider machen Leute,' established his reputation for crafting stories that combine entertainment with profound moral and social commentary. Never married, Keller lived a somewhat solitary life, though he maintained important friendships with contemporaries such as the writer Theodor Storm. Despite his international literary significance, Keller remained deeply rooted in Swiss life and culture, his works often exploring the tension between individual desire and social responsibility within the context of Swiss democracy and communal values. He died in Zürich on July 15, 1890, just days before his 71st birthday, leaving a literary legacy that continues to be celebrated for its psychological insight, moral depth, and precise, evocative prose.