# XIII explained — The Breaking of the Storm

> Chapter companion for The Breaking of the Storm by Friedrich Spielhagen.

## What happens

Reinhold and Philip search for Ferdinanda at a social gathering, discussing family conflict, speculation, and social hierarchy. Reinhold observes Elsa with Count Golm and the Princess, feeling the gap in social status. Ferdinanda appears troubled, and Philip comments on business and marriages.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Nobility

Reinhold feels the divide between himself and Elsa as she walks with the Princess and Count Golm, highlighting class barriers.

### Ambition and Speculation

Philip discusses stock market investments and business schemes, embodying the speculative spirit of the era.

### Individual vs. Society

Philip's conflict with his father and his brash public behavior illustrate tensions between personal ambition and societal expectations.

## Character check-ins

### Reinhold Schmidt

Reinhold searches for Ferdinanda, talks with Philip, and feels the sting of social distance from Elsa and Count Golm.

### Herr Philip Schmidt

Philip engages Reinhold in conversation about his father, speculation, and Bismarck, while observing the social scene.

### Ferdinanda Schmidt

Ferdinanda is found by Reinhold and Philip, appearing gloomy and distracted, and insists on leaving.

### Elsa von Werben

Elsa walks with the Princess and Count Golm, nodding cordially to Reinhold as he passes.

### Count Golm

Count Golm is with the Princess and Elsa, recognized by Reinhold but does not greet him.

### Ottomar von Werben

Ottomar is seen talking with Fräulein von Wallbach, and bows to Ferdinanda with indifference.

## Key lines

> “I believe in Bismarck, whom he hates like sin. Bismarck is my man; I swear by Bismarck; I would go through thick and thin for Bismarck.”

Philip declares his unwavering support for Bismarck, contrasting with his father's opposition.

_Highlights political divisions within the family and the era's Bismarck cult._

> “Prudence is the mother of wisdom⁠—and the grandmother of poverty.”

Philip dismisses caution as leading to poverty, advocating risk-taking.

_Reflects the speculative ethos of the time._

> In the midst of this respectful, bowing crowd, as it made room for the Princess, he felt the difference of the social position between himself and the young lady who moved at her side to be quite another thing to what he had thought before.

Reinhold becomes acutely aware of the social gulf between himself and Elsa.

_Central to the theme of social class._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters/xiii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_breaking_of_the_storm_se/chapters