Sartor Resartus · Chapter
Book II explained
The Editor continues to piece together Teufelsdröckh's biography, delving into his childhood in Entepfuhl, his education at Hinterschlag Gymnasium, his university studies, and his first love with Blumine.
What happens
The Editor continues to piece together Teufelsdröckh's biography, delving into his childhood in Entepfuhl, his education at Hinterschlag Gymnasium, his university studies, and his first love with Blumine. The narrative explores Teufelsdröckh's spiritual crises and his philosophical development, culminating in his experiences of the Everlasting No and the Everlasting Yea.
Themes in this chapter
Spiritual Crisis and Faith
Teufelsdröckh's journey through doubt and despair, culminating in the Everlasting No and the Everlasting Yea.
The Nature of Work and Duty
Exploration of Teufelsdröckh's early education and the value of labor and vocation.
Characters to notice
- Diogenes Teufelsdröckh
Central figure whose biography is being compiled; experiences childhood, education, love, and spiritual crises.
- The Editor
Compiles and narrates Teufelsdröckh's biography from provided documents.
- Herr Hofrath Heuschrecke
Provides biographical documents and letters to the Editor.
- Andreas Futteral
Teufelsdröckh's adoptive father; a simple, hardworking man.
- Gretchen Futteral
Teufelsdröckh's adoptive mother; a kind and nurturing figure.
Key passages
“The Editor has now before him, in the shape of Six considerable Paper-Bags, the multifarious materials out of which the Biography of Diogenes Teufelsdröckh is to be compiled.”
The Editor has received six large bags of documents that will form the basis of Teufelsdröckh's biography.
Introduction of the source materials for the biography.
“Teufelsdröckh's first appearance in this world was quite in the usual way; neither his mother nor his father have we any knowledge of.”
Teufelsdröckh's birth was ordinary, and his parents are unknown.
Mystery surrounding Teufelsdröckh's origins.
“The Everlasting No had said: 'Behold, thou art fatherless, outcast, and the Universe is mine.'”
The Everlasting No declared that Teufelsdröckh was alone and the universe was hostile.
Teufelsdröckh's spiritual crisis and rejection of despair.
“The Everlasting Yea: 'I too am a little son of Heaven, and the whole Universe is my Father's House.'”
The Everlasting Yea affirmed that Teufelsdröckh is a child of the divine and the universe is his home.
Teufelsdröckh's spiritual resolution and acceptance.