Effi Briest

*Effi Briest* is a novel by Theodor Fontane that explores themes of societal expectations, marriage, and personal integrity. It tells the story of Effi Briest, a young woman who enters into an arranged marriage with a much older man. Her life becomes complicated after she has a secret affair, which is eventually exposed. The novel examines how societal pressures and personal choices influence her fate, highlighting the constraints placed on women and the importance of reputation. It is a profound commentary on morality, duty, and the costs of societal conformity in 19th-century Germany.