Buddenbrooks · Chapter
XV explained
Thomas Buddenbrook secretly visits Anna, the flower shop girl, to say a final goodbye before his departure for Amsterdam.
What happens
Thomas Buddenbrook secretly visits Anna, the flower shop girl, to say a final goodbye before his departure for Amsterdam. They reminisce about their meeting at the Rifle-club fair a year and a half prior and acknowledge the impossibility of their relationship continuing. Thomas is candid about his future duty to take over the family business and make a good marriage, urging Anna not to 'throw herself away' after he leaves.
Themes in this chapter
Individual vs. Family Duty
Thomas explicitly prioritizes family duty over personal desire, telling Anna he must leave, take over the business, and 'make a good match,' sacrificing their relationship.
Social Class and Reputation
The clandestine nature of the affair and Thomas's need to avoid being seen underscore the importance of maintaining social standing. His future 'good match' will be within his class.
Characters to notice
- Thomas Buddenbrook
Visits his secret lover, Anna, to end their affair before leaving for Amsterdam. He is melancholic, practical, and openly discusses his future duty to the family firm and an expected advantageous marriage.
- Burgomaster Dr. Langhals
Mentioned indirectly through 'Aunt Lottchen,' a poor relation of the Langhals family, who is in the shop as Thomas arrives.
Key passages
“"One is carried along—you see. If I live, I shall take over the business, and make a good match—you see, I am open with you at parting, Anna."”
Thomas frankly tells Anna that his predetermined path in life is to assume control of the family firm and enter into a socially advantageous marriage.
Highlights the inevitability of his familial and social duty, which overrides personal happiness.
“"But—don’t throw yourself away, I tell you." ... "For you haven’t done that—with me—I swear it."”
Thomas urges Anna not to degrade herself after he leaves, assuring her that their relationship was not a dishonorable one for her.
Shows Thomas's concern for Anna's future and a nuanced awareness of the different social consequences for men and women in such affairs.