Buddenbrooks · Chapter
III explained
The chapter depicts a meeting of the town's burgesses, besieged by a revolutionary crowd outside.
What happens
The chapter depicts a meeting of the town's burgesses, besieged by a revolutionary crowd outside. The assembled citizens, including Johann Buddenbrook and Lebrecht Kröger, are paralyzed by fear and indecision, debating how to escape. Johann eventually confronts the crowd with broker Gosch, finding the 'revolutionaries' to be a confused but good-natured mob. He disperses them with a few sharp words, revealing the superficiality of the unrest and the underlying stability of the social order.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Reputation
The Buddenbrooks' enhanced standing due to their relation to the Burgomaster is noted. The scene contrasts the anxious, entitled burghers with the 'rabble,' highlighting class tensions and the importance of maintaining social order.
Tradition vs. Modernity
The 'regular order' represented by the unlit street lamps and the established political process is challenged by the confused revolutionary demands, showing a clash between traditional authority and modern political ideas.
Decline and Decadence
The physical and emotional frailty of Lebrecht Kröger, a symbol of the old aristocratic order, under the strain of the mob, hints at the vulnerability of the established system.
Characters to notice
- Johann Buddenbrook (the Consul)
Takes charge of the situation, calming his father-in-law and confronting the crowd to disperse them, asserting his authority and the 'regular order'.
- Lebrecht Kröger
Visibly agitated and ill, expresses aristocratic contempt for the 'rabble' and demands his carriage, showing the strain on the old order.
- Siegismund Gosch
The broker, who dramatically positions himself as a tragic hero ready to face the 'outraged people,' finding perverse exhilaration in the crisis.
- Dr. Grabow
Present among the assembled citizens, greeted by Johann Buddenbrook.
- Dr. Gieseke
Referred to as 'Herr Gieseke the Fire Commissioner,' present and spoken to by Johann Buddenbrook.
- Burgomaster Dr. Langhals
The chairman of the meeting, brother of the Senator, who tries in vain to bring the assembly to order to draft a protocol.
- Justus Kröger
Mentioned as Consul Kröger, greeted by Johann Buddenbrook; his relation to Burgomaster Överdieck enhances the Buddenbrooks' social standing.
- Stephan Kistenmaker
Mentioned as Consul Kistenmaker, greeted by Johann Buddenbrook among the crowd of citizens.
Key passages
“"Canaille!"”
Lebrecht Kröger's cold, contemptuous label for the crowd outside.
A moment of aristocratic outrage that cuts through the panic, revealing deep class disdain.
“"Now then, all of you, what is the meaning of this foolishness?"”
Consul Johann Buddenbrook's opening challenge to the revolutionary crowd.
Establishes his authority and frames the unrest as childish nonsense, not a serious threat.
“"Lord, Herr Consul, ye knaw what that is. We're not satisfied wi' things as they be. We demand another order o' things..."”
Carl Smolt's explanation of the revolution's purpose.
Shows the vague, inarticulate nature of the popular demands, which are more about feeling than a concrete program.
“"But, you fool, you've got one already." "Well, Herr Consul, then we wants another."”
The exchange between Johann Buddenbrook and Carl Smolt about wanting a republic.
The comedic highlight that deflates the revolutionary tension, exposing the crowd's confusion and the superficiality of the crisis.
