Elective Affinities (in German, "Die Wahlverwandtschaften") is an 1809 novel by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
In early nineteenth century chemistry, the phrase "elective affinities" was used to describe compounds that only interacted with each other under select circumstances. He used this as an organizing metaphor for marriage, and the conflict between responsibility and passion. When first published it was considered controversial for questioning the institution of marriage, and in some ways was a precursor of A Dolls House.
The story involves two men (Edward and Otto) and two women (Carlotta and Ottlia) and their various longings and infidelities.
It was filmed in 1996 by director Paolo Taviani , as "Le affinitą elettive". It also served as the inspiration for the 1982 Francis Ford Coppola film One from the Heart .
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Last updated: 08-24-2005 19:17:58
