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Grieche sucht Griechin
'Der Grieche' Archilochos, der eines Tages, der Einsamkeit überdrüssig, eine Heiratsanzeige aufgibt, ist braver Bürger eines imaginären, aber sehr biederen Staatswesens - schüchterner Mansardenbewohner und schlechtbesoldeter Unterbuchhalter in einer Maschinenfabrik, Vegetarier, Abstinenzler: seine Welt ist gefestigt, pünktlich, sittlich, hierarchisch.
Da geschieht das Wunder: auf jene Anzeige meldet sich ein entzückendes Persönchen und 'Griechin' auch, ein reines Märchen an Schönheit und Grazie. Und noch wunderbarer: dieses hergewehte Traumgebild aus Duft und Kurven ist bereit, sich für den Archilochos zu holdester Ehewirklichkeit zu materialisieren. Nur er selber weiß es nicht, dass sie eine stadtbekannte Kurtisane ist ... Eine Fülle skurriler Figuren turnt über die Seiten und erlebt Situationen, die von unwiderstehlicher Komik sind.
Der so gescheite und phantasievolle, so witzige wie boshafte Zeitdiagnostiker Dürrenmatt hat hier eine treffend gezielte, geistreiche Satire geschrieben, die dem schmunzelnden Leser vielleicht einige Züge seines eigenen Daseins widerspiegeln dürfte.
Da geschieht das Wunder: auf jene Anzeige meldet sich ein entzückendes Persönchen und 'Griechin' auch, ein reines Märchen an Schönheit und Grazie. Und noch wunderbarer: dieses hergewehte Traumgebild aus Duft und Kurven ist bereit, sich für den Archilochos zu holdester Ehewirklichkeit zu materialisieren. Nur er selber weiß es nicht, dass sie eine stadtbekannte Kurtisane ist ... Eine Fülle skurriler Figuren turnt über die Seiten und erlebt Situationen, die von unwiderstehlicher Komik sind.
Der so gescheite und phantasievolle, so witzige wie boshafte Zeitdiagnostiker Dürrenmatt hat hier eine treffend gezielte, geistreiche Satire geschrieben, die dem schmunzelnden Leser vielleicht einige Züge seines eigenen Daseins widerspiegeln dürfte.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1955
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637 people want to read
About the author
Friedrich Dürrenmatt
408 books1,024 followersFriedrich Dürrenmatt (1921 – 1990) was a Swiss author and dramatist.
Dürrenmatt was born in the Emmental (canton of Bern), the son of a Protestant pastor. His grandfather Ulrich Dürrenmatt was a conservative politician. The family moved to Bern in 1935. Dürrenmatt began to study philosophy and German language and literature at the University of Zurich in 1941, but moved to the University of Bern after one semester. In 1943 he decided to become an author and dramatist and dropped his academic career. In 1945-46, he wrote his first play, "It is written". On October 11 1946 he married actress Lotti Geissler. She died in 1983 and Dürrenmatt was married again to another actress, Charlotte Kerr, the following year.
He was a proponent of epic theater whose plays reflected the recent experiences of World War II. The politically active author gained fame largely due to his avant-garde dramas, philosophically deep crime novels, and often macabre satire. One of his leading sentences was: "A story is not finished, until it has taken the worst turn". Dürrenmatt was a member of the Gruppe Olten.
Dürrenmatt was born in the Emmental (canton of Bern), the son of a Protestant pastor. His grandfather Ulrich Dürrenmatt was a conservative politician. The family moved to Bern in 1935. Dürrenmatt began to study philosophy and German language and literature at the University of Zurich in 1941, but moved to the University of Bern after one semester. In 1943 he decided to become an author and dramatist and dropped his academic career. In 1945-46, he wrote his first play, "It is written". On October 11 1946 he married actress Lotti Geissler. She died in 1983 and Dürrenmatt was married again to another actress, Charlotte Kerr, the following year.
He was a proponent of epic theater whose plays reflected the recent experiences of World War II. The politically active author gained fame largely due to his avant-garde dramas, philosophically deep crime novels, and often macabre satire. One of his leading sentences was: "A story is not finished, until it has taken the worst turn". Dürrenmatt was a member of the Gruppe Olten.
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January 20, 2020
Love in the Ruins
Arnolph Archilochos lives in a shabby but entirely orderly Swiss universe defined by icon-like photographs of his moral heroes: the president, the bishop, the owner of his firm, a fashionable portrait-painter, the American Ambassador, a lawyer, various others connected with the Old New Presbyterian Penultimate Christians... and his brother Bibi, the gangster. These photographs are his only possessions: The certainties of State, Religion, Law, Art and Family. They are all he needs; his devotion to these ideals sustains him.
One day he is "an insignificant particle in the grey stream of humanity." The next he is swept off his feet by a beautiful young woman. All his moral certainties appear to be confirmed instantly in the presence of this woman who gives to Arnolph a sort of bourgeois respectability for which he has secretly yearned. There is an obvious interpretation of such an event: It is a fateful gift from the gods. Arnolph becomes an inverse of the biblical Job, propelled from obscurity to riches. But no less confused about his fortune than Job was about the loss of his.
Durrenmatt has written a fairy tale set in Geneva but appropriate generally to the modern world. After all, Geneva is a place where the important institutions of modern life intersect: the military (NATO), religion (the Geneva Bible), international politics (the World Health Organisation), industry (MNC’s dominate the economy in Geneva and Vaud), even terrorism (The Geneva Convention of 1937). This world suddenly and mysteriously opens to Arnolph and he rises at remarkable speed in the corporate hierarchy of the Petit-Paysan Engineering Works (makers of obstetrical forceps and atomic cannons, thus serving the world from birth to death it might be said). As one of his new minions puts it, "Like an eagle you soar above the heads of us wonder-struck Chief Bookkeepers, into the empyrean."
Closer acquaintance with his moral paragons, of course, breeds growing contempt for their superiority. The head of the firm is a vacuous moron; the bishop smokes and drinks, the painter uses nude models; Arnolph's new wealth only serves to further debauch his brother's family. And much worse ensues. Disillusion is an extreme emotion, calling for extreme action even for the most phlegmatic of men. What happens when the certainties crumble? Where does the true believer turn? Does "clear-eyed love" overcome history and social convention?
Durrenmatt, in his typical fashion, challenges the presumptions of the 'good life'. Perhaps the authentic good life is to be found in the ancient soil of Greece, buried under layers of Christian civilisation and middle-class prejudice. Archilochus, after all, was the great poet reputed to have promoted the cult of Dionysus in the 7th century BCE. Perhaps a modern Archilochus can find similar consolations.
Arnolph Archilochos lives in a shabby but entirely orderly Swiss universe defined by icon-like photographs of his moral heroes: the president, the bishop, the owner of his firm, a fashionable portrait-painter, the American Ambassador, a lawyer, various others connected with the Old New Presbyterian Penultimate Christians... and his brother Bibi, the gangster. These photographs are his only possessions: The certainties of State, Religion, Law, Art and Family. They are all he needs; his devotion to these ideals sustains him.
One day he is "an insignificant particle in the grey stream of humanity." The next he is swept off his feet by a beautiful young woman. All his moral certainties appear to be confirmed instantly in the presence of this woman who gives to Arnolph a sort of bourgeois respectability for which he has secretly yearned. There is an obvious interpretation of such an event: It is a fateful gift from the gods. Arnolph becomes an inverse of the biblical Job, propelled from obscurity to riches. But no less confused about his fortune than Job was about the loss of his.
Durrenmatt has written a fairy tale set in Geneva but appropriate generally to the modern world. After all, Geneva is a place where the important institutions of modern life intersect: the military (NATO), religion (the Geneva Bible), international politics (the World Health Organisation), industry (MNC’s dominate the economy in Geneva and Vaud), even terrorism (The Geneva Convention of 1937). This world suddenly and mysteriously opens to Arnolph and he rises at remarkable speed in the corporate hierarchy of the Petit-Paysan Engineering Works (makers of obstetrical forceps and atomic cannons, thus serving the world from birth to death it might be said). As one of his new minions puts it, "Like an eagle you soar above the heads of us wonder-struck Chief Bookkeepers, into the empyrean."
Closer acquaintance with his moral paragons, of course, breeds growing contempt for their superiority. The head of the firm is a vacuous moron; the bishop smokes and drinks, the painter uses nude models; Arnolph's new wealth only serves to further debauch his brother's family. And much worse ensues. Disillusion is an extreme emotion, calling for extreme action even for the most phlegmatic of men. What happens when the certainties crumble? Where does the true believer turn? Does "clear-eyed love" overcome history and social convention?
Durrenmatt, in his typical fashion, challenges the presumptions of the 'good life'. Perhaps the authentic good life is to be found in the ancient soil of Greece, buried under layers of Christian civilisation and middle-class prejudice. Archilochus, after all, was the great poet reputed to have promoted the cult of Dionysus in the 7th century BCE. Perhaps a modern Archilochus can find similar consolations.
July 21, 2023
عالی بود. یکی دیگه از کتابهای خوبی که از دورنمات خوندم. فقط اینکه من همون پایان اولی رو بیشتر پسندیدم. ؛)
April 9, 2025
Arnolph Archilochos, a shy, middle-aged bookkeeping assistant, transforms into a charismatic figure when he decides to get married by publishing a personal ad seeking a Greek bride. Initially hesitant, he is urged on by a colleague, leading to a variety of responses, both comical and sincere. Surprising benefits follow in quick succession, including a promotion (helped on by his boss Director Zeus), elevated social status, and appreciation.
Mistaken for a descendant of Greek nobility, Archilochos adopts the persona of a Greek and embarks on a series of comedic and absurd adventures. He faces numerous challenges in adapting to Greek customs and language, adding to the comedy and his sense of adventure. His pivotal meeting with Marina, an independent and strong-willed woman, pushes him to embrace his new identity more fully.
Throughout the novel, Archilochos's new identity leads him into a whirlwind of chaotic situations, including getting involved in an insurrection and inadvertently becoming a leader of a revolutionary movement. His involvement starts inadvertently with a speech mistaken for a rallying cry. With the help of Marina and using strategic deception, he navigates political tensions and maintains his leadership position.
Dürrenmatt uses these events to satirize societal pretensions and the absurdities of identity and self-importance. The Swiss setting combined with countless Greek references, rich in historical and cultural nods, acts almost as a character itself. Greek mythology and historical figures weave through the narrative, adding depth and layers of meaning.
The novel is a smart and funny exploration of how a simple decision can drastically alter one's life, blending wit with philosophical reflections on identity and destiny. Archilochos frequently reflects on the absurdity of his situation, providing readers with witty and philosophical insights, and a confrontation where his true identity is at risk of being exposed.
A witty and captivating satire that makes for a fun lazy afternoon read.
Mistaken for a descendant of Greek nobility, Archilochos adopts the persona of a Greek and embarks on a series of comedic and absurd adventures. He faces numerous challenges in adapting to Greek customs and language, adding to the comedy and his sense of adventure. His pivotal meeting with Marina, an independent and strong-willed woman, pushes him to embrace his new identity more fully.
Throughout the novel, Archilochos's new identity leads him into a whirlwind of chaotic situations, including getting involved in an insurrection and inadvertently becoming a leader of a revolutionary movement. His involvement starts inadvertently with a speech mistaken for a rallying cry. With the help of Marina and using strategic deception, he navigates political tensions and maintains his leadership position.
Dürrenmatt uses these events to satirize societal pretensions and the absurdities of identity and self-importance. The Swiss setting combined with countless Greek references, rich in historical and cultural nods, acts almost as a character itself. Greek mythology and historical figures weave through the narrative, adding depth and layers of meaning.
The novel is a smart and funny exploration of how a simple decision can drastically alter one's life, blending wit with philosophical reflections on identity and destiny. Archilochos frequently reflects on the absurdity of his situation, providing readers with witty and philosophical insights, and a confrontation where his true identity is at risk of being exposed.
A witty and captivating satire that makes for a fun lazy afternoon read.
December 19, 2020
آثار دورنمات همواره آدم رو دچار شگفتی میکنه(منظورم رمان هاست و نه نمایشنامه ها چون نخواندم)
بخشی داره که کاراکتر اصلی کتاب با رئیس خودش بحث میکنه که به نظر من اوج داستان اونجاست.
توضیح خود مترجم اثر:
دورنمات نویسندهای فیلسوفمسلک است. از اینرو به همة رمانهایش – حتی اگر جنایی باشند – شمهای از جامعهشناسی میدهد؛ از این دست رمانهای اوست: قول و قاضی و جلادش. ولی رمان حاضر، بیشتر یک تمثیل طنزآمیز است؛ لطیفة کارمندی خردهپا که در پی خوشبختی خود میگردد، البته بهحق. اما چون سالم و سادهلوح است، این سادهلوحی میرود که کار دستاش بدهد.
نقد اجتماعی دورنمات هیچ تعارف و ترحمی نمیشناسد، با این حال شادابی را از این رمان نمیگیرد. او پس از پایان تلخ اول، پایانی دوم به آن پیوست میکند؛ بدیهی است اینبار پایانی خوش، هرچند صرفأ بهعنوان دلخوشکنک. با وجود این، حکمت انساندوستانة او پردههای این داستان را نیز از تسلیِ دلنشینِ اخلاقی بیبهره نمیگذارد.دورن
در بخشی از این رمان میخوانیم:
«انسان خوب! اگر بخواهم در حقّ شما داوری کنم، باید بگویم که طغیان و تلاطم عاطفیتان برای من قابل درک است، امّا درست همین عواطف درونیست که باید به جنگشان برویم، چون این عواطف بیشترین شر را به پا میکنند. معجزه تنها به لطف عشق ممکن و باورپذیر است و بیرون از حیطهی عشق، بدل به مضحکه میشود. هر عنایتی میتواند خیر باشد اگر شما به این عشق باور داشته باشید، یا شر باشد اگر به این عشق باور نداشته باشید. عشق معجزهای است که گاهبهگاه امکانپذیر میشود، اما شر واقعیتی میباشد که پیوسته و همیشه وجود دارد. عدالت به لعن و طرد شر میکوشد، امید دل به اصلاح میبندد و امّا عشق چشمپوشی میکند. کاری سختتر از ایمان به عشق نیست. جهان پوچ است و هولناک. امید آنکه در پس اینهمه پوچی مفهومی هست، مفهومی در پس اینهمه وحشت، چنین امیدی را تنها کسانی میتوانند در دل خود زنده نگهبدارند که با وجود اینهمه هول حایل عاشقاند. تنها عشق است که از واقعیت قویتر میباشد، از واقعیتی که ما را تهدید به نابودی میکند؛ عشق کور باید ویران شود، ویران بهخاطر عشقی که میبیند و چون بیناست تنها عشقی است که به حساب میآید.»
بخشی داره که کاراکتر اصلی کتاب با رئیس خودش بحث میکنه که به نظر من اوج داستان اونجاست.
توضیح خود مترجم اثر:
دورنمات نویسندهای فیلسوفمسلک است. از اینرو به همة رمانهایش – حتی اگر جنایی باشند – شمهای از جامعهشناسی میدهد؛ از این دست رمانهای اوست: قول و قاضی و جلادش. ولی رمان حاضر، بیشتر یک تمثیل طنزآمیز است؛ لطیفة کارمندی خردهپا که در پی خوشبختی خود میگردد، البته بهحق. اما چون سالم و سادهلوح است، این سادهلوحی میرود که کار دستاش بدهد.
نقد اجتماعی دورنمات هیچ تعارف و ترحمی نمیشناسد، با این حال شادابی را از این رمان نمیگیرد. او پس از پایان تلخ اول، پایانی دوم به آن پیوست میکند؛ بدیهی است اینبار پایانی خوش، هرچند صرفأ بهعنوان دلخوشکنک. با وجود این، حکمت انساندوستانة او پردههای این داستان را نیز از تسلیِ دلنشینِ اخلاقی بیبهره نمیگذارد.دورن
در بخشی از این رمان میخوانیم:
«انسان خوب! اگر بخواهم در حقّ شما داوری کنم، باید بگویم که طغیان و تلاطم عاطفیتان برای من قابل درک است، امّا درست همین عواطف درونیست که باید به جنگشان برویم، چون این عواطف بیشترین شر را به پا میکنند. معجزه تنها به لطف عشق ممکن و باورپذیر است و بیرون از حیطهی عشق، بدل به مضحکه میشود. هر عنایتی میتواند خیر باشد اگر شما به این عشق باور داشته باشید، یا شر باشد اگر به این عشق باور نداشته باشید. عشق معجزهای است که گاهبهگاه امکانپذیر میشود، اما شر واقعیتی میباشد که پیوسته و همیشه وجود دارد. عدالت به لعن و طرد شر میکوشد، امید دل به اصلاح میبندد و امّا عشق چشمپوشی میکند. کاری سختتر از ایمان به عشق نیست. جهان پوچ است و هولناک. امید آنکه در پس اینهمه پوچی مفهومی هست، مفهومی در پس اینهمه وحشت، چنین امیدی را تنها کسانی میتوانند در دل خود زنده نگهبدارند که با وجود اینهمه هول حایل عاشقاند. تنها عشق است که از واقعیت قویتر میباشد، از واقعیتی که ما را تهدید به نابودی میکند؛ عشق کور باید ویران شود، ویران بهخاطر عشقی که میبیند و چون بیناست تنها عشقی است که به حساب میآید.»
May 14, 2016
An unremarkable sub-accounting clerk in the obstetrical forceps division of a large company (which also delivers atomcannons) wins the most beautiful woman of the capital to his bride, makes career over night, and becomes member of the ecclesiastical council of the newoldprespyterian church of the penultimate Christians. How can that happen?
This is a wonderful satire that leans out far into the area of the absurd. Even the great Kurt Vonnegut could get something out this story. Definitely worth reading!
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
January 20, 2020
Nettigkeit auf dem Niveau der Schlagerkomödien aus dieser Ära. Jedes Buch hat seine Zeit und viele auch ein Haltbarkeitsdatum. Dürrenmatts Prosakomödie ist schon mindestens fünfzig Jahre drüber.
December 1, 2023
Esta obra, publicada en 1955 se encuadra en la tradición del absurdo y la comedia grotesca que, además de divertir, nos quieren hacer reflexionar sobre nuestra sociedad. Dürrenmatt fue un autor versátil pero su principal faceta era escribir teatro, y así esta novela corta está subtitulada como 'Una comedia en prosa'.
El protagonista, de improbable nombre Arnolph Arquíloco, es un hombre mediocre cuya existencia no puede ser más gris, hasta que publica un anuncio en el periódico: 'Griego busca griega'. Pronto se presenta la encantadora Chloé y todo su mundo se alterará de manera que pondrá en cuestión su sistema de valores.
El tema de fondo es serio: los valores o no que nos guían en nuestra existencia, la fe en los demás y las estructuras sociales, la religión... pero todo se trata desde un humor que a ratos puede ser destructivo y esperpéntico, pero al mismo tiempo es compasivo e inocente.
Las referencias continuas a Grecia y la antigüedad clásica le dan un encanto especial a la novela, que en conjunto es una mezcla muy original. Creo que corresponde un poco al movimiento expresionista alemán en pintura, que es una especie de naïf con muchos elementos de distorsión y carnavalescos, un espejo deforme de la sociedad. De hecho la portada de la edición de Tusquets lleva un fragmento del cuadro 'Los pilares de la sociedad' de Grosz que encaja perfectamente con el tema del libro.
Es una lectura breve y humorística, sorprendente y muy fácil de seguir, que he disfrutado mucho, sobre todo al asistir posteriormente al taller on-line de José Carlos Rodrigo Breto de @literaturainstantanea, donde lo ha analizado en detalle y también nos ha comentado todas las influencias y conexiones que enriquecen este texto, desde Aristófanes a Valle-Inclán, pasando por el Candide de Voltaire.
El protagonista, de improbable nombre Arnolph Arquíloco, es un hombre mediocre cuya existencia no puede ser más gris, hasta que publica un anuncio en el periódico: 'Griego busca griega'. Pronto se presenta la encantadora Chloé y todo su mundo se alterará de manera que pondrá en cuestión su sistema de valores.
El tema de fondo es serio: los valores o no que nos guían en nuestra existencia, la fe en los demás y las estructuras sociales, la religión... pero todo se trata desde un humor que a ratos puede ser destructivo y esperpéntico, pero al mismo tiempo es compasivo e inocente.
Las referencias continuas a Grecia y la antigüedad clásica le dan un encanto especial a la novela, que en conjunto es una mezcla muy original. Creo que corresponde un poco al movimiento expresionista alemán en pintura, que es una especie de naïf con muchos elementos de distorsión y carnavalescos, un espejo deforme de la sociedad. De hecho la portada de la edición de Tusquets lleva un fragmento del cuadro 'Los pilares de la sociedad' de Grosz que encaja perfectamente con el tema del libro.
Es una lectura breve y humorística, sorprendente y muy fácil de seguir, que he disfrutado mucho, sobre todo al asistir posteriormente al taller on-line de José Carlos Rodrigo Breto de @literaturainstantanea, donde lo ha analizado en detalle y también nos ha comentado todas las influencias y conexiones que enriquecen este texto, desde Aristófanes a Valle-Inclán, pasando por el Candide de Voltaire.
June 1, 2019
Welch absurd anmutende kleine Geschichte über eine streng gläubige und abstinente Werteordnung, die auf die Realität der 50er trifft.
Herrlich zu lesen, spannend und mit wunderbar absurden Szenen / Bilder.
Herrlich zu lesen, spannend und mit wunderbar absurden Szenen / Bilder.
June 22, 2025
Greco cerca greca è il primo romanzo di Dürematt che leggo e devo dire, sebbene voci fidate mi dicano che è un libro insolito per la sua penna, è stato amore a prima lettura.
Il protagonista è Arnolph Archilochos, un uomo incolore che lavora come sottocontabile in una fabbrica. Archilochos non ha niente per essere notato: è mediocre sul lavoro, non ha una moglie, è astemio e spesso rifugge da ogni relazione umana e si nasconde dietro valori per lui incrollabili immedesimate dalle note personalità della stato e della religione
fin quando non decide di trovare moglie tramite un annuncio giornalistico ( e da qui il titolo). La greca, ovvero colei che diventerà sua moglie, ha il duplice scopo di sposarsi e di ritrovare le sue radici greche ormai perdute. Il matrimonio però si rivela ben più fruttuoso del previsto: in pochissimo tempo, ha una promozione e diventa ricchissimo e socialmente apprezzato.
Sarà solo una semplice coincidenza o forse c'è altro? Quello che è certo che è Dürematt mostra l'ipocrisia di una società che bada solo alla forma e lo fa attraverso un umorismo nero, capace sì di far sorridere ma anche di farci interrogare anche sui nostri tempo. D'altronde Archilochos lavora in un'azienda bellica, sarà un caso?
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Il protagonista è Arnolph Archilochos, un uomo incolore che lavora come sottocontabile in una fabbrica. Archilochos non ha niente per essere notato: è mediocre sul lavoro, non ha una moglie, è astemio e spesso rifugge da ogni relazione umana e si nasconde dietro valori per lui incrollabili immedesimate dalle note personalità della stato e della religione
fin quando non decide di trovare moglie tramite un annuncio giornalistico ( e da qui il titolo). La greca, ovvero colei che diventerà sua moglie, ha il duplice scopo di sposarsi e di ritrovare le sue radici greche ormai perdute. Il matrimonio però si rivela ben più fruttuoso del previsto: in pochissimo tempo, ha una promozione e diventa ricchissimo e socialmente apprezzato.
Sarà solo una semplice coincidenza o forse c'è altro? Quello che è certo che è Dürematt mostra l'ipocrisia di una società che bada solo alla forma e lo fa attraverso un umorismo nero, capace sì di far sorridere ma anche di farci interrogare anche sui nostri tempo. D'altronde Archilochos lavora in un'azienda bellica, sarà un caso?
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April 27, 2025
Questo agile libro è una satira nei confronti della politica, della società e della religione e in cui gli eventi si susseguono in maniera spassosa e, travalicando i limiti del reale, portano il lettore a seguire vicende rocambolesche e assurde ma dense di significato.
Tuttavia nel caos generale della vita e nella vuotezza e ipocrisia delle convenzioni e dei ruoli sociali, solo l'amore è in grado di salvarci.
"Il mondo è spaventoso e privo di senso. La speranza che ci sia un senso dietro a questo assurdo, dietro a tutti questi orrori, possono mantenerla solo coloro che nonostante tutto amano."
Tuttavia nel caos generale della vita e nella vuotezza e ipocrisia delle convenzioni e dei ruoli sociali, solo l'amore è in grado di salvarci.
"Il mondo è spaventoso e privo di senso. La speranza che ci sia un senso dietro a questo assurdo, dietro a tutti questi orrori, possono mantenerla solo coloro che nonostante tutto amano."
January 8, 2022
یک شروع کمی کند ومیانهای به شدت دارای ریتم روایی بالا،و یک پایان غافلگیرکننده البته دو تا پایان دارد یکی پایان حقیقی و یکی پایانی شایستهی کتابخانههای عمومی.در مجموع داستانی است در ستایش اخلاقیات.👍
March 29, 2025
«Il signor Archilochos? »
Archilochos si alzò, urtò la tazza con la manica e il latte si versò sui suoi occhiali.
«Un'altra tazza di latte » disse infine.
«Oh, » rise Chloé « anche per me».
Archilochos si sedette, senza riuscire a distogliere lo sguardo da lei. Aveva paura, era oppresso da quella situazione irreale e non osava pensare al suo annuncio. Si aspettava da un momento all'altro che lei, delusa, girasse sui tacchi e se ne andasse. Forse pensava anche di sognare. Si sentiva ridicolo e brutto, di colpo gli riaffiorò, ingigantita, l'immagine della sua mansarda, la desolazione del quartiere operaio in cui viveva, la monotonia del suo lavoro da contabile; ma lei semplicemente si sedette al suo tavolo, di fronte a lui, e lo fissò con grandi occhi neri.
«Oh, » disse felice «non ti immaginavo così simpatico. Sono contenta che ci siamo ritrovati tra noi greci. Ma da' qui, hai gli occhiali tutti sporchi di latte ».
3,5 ⭐️ Mi ha fatto tanto ridere questo romanzo di Dürrenmatt, non così però tanto da prendere quattro stelle. Un bel racconto però.
Archilochos si alzò, urtò la tazza con la manica e il latte si versò sui suoi occhiali.
«Un'altra tazza di latte » disse infine.
«Oh, » rise Chloé « anche per me».
Archilochos si sedette, senza riuscire a distogliere lo sguardo da lei. Aveva paura, era oppresso da quella situazione irreale e non osava pensare al suo annuncio. Si aspettava da un momento all'altro che lei, delusa, girasse sui tacchi e se ne andasse. Forse pensava anche di sognare. Si sentiva ridicolo e brutto, di colpo gli riaffiorò, ingigantita, l'immagine della sua mansarda, la desolazione del quartiere operaio in cui viveva, la monotonia del suo lavoro da contabile; ma lei semplicemente si sedette al suo tavolo, di fronte a lui, e lo fissò con grandi occhi neri.
«Oh, » disse felice «non ti immaginavo così simpatico. Sono contenta che ci siamo ritrovati tra noi greci. Ma da' qui, hai gli occhiali tutti sporchi di latte ».
3,5 ⭐️ Mi ha fatto tanto ridere questo romanzo di Dürrenmatt, non così però tanto da prendere quattro stelle. Un bel racconto però.
April 7, 2025
Wtf was that
November 12, 2023
Sátira social que narra el ascenso y caída de Arnolph Archilochos, moralista extremo que se ve enfrentado a todos los estamentos de la sociedad en búsqueda del amor. Al borde del absurdo, Dürrenmatt esboza críticas a la clase política, artística, empresarial, religiosa, etc... en tono jocoso, siempre lanzando invectivas, jugando con el pobre Arnolph, pero sin caer en surrealismos distractores o erotismos exagerados, lo que resulta una prosa ágil, elegante y divertida.
De seguro leeré más cosas suyas, un autor a considerar.
De seguro leeré más cosas suyas, un autor a considerar.
December 5, 2023
Eine tolle Satire auf das Menschsein an sich, wortgewaltig und ad absurdum geführt. Wirkt für mich unterdessen etwas antiquiert, wenn thematisch durchaus noch aktuell. Die Herangehensweise und die Swissness erinnern mich sehr an die Bücher von Martin Suter. Der Unterschied liegt vor allem darin, dass Suter seine Geschichten leichtfüssig elegant präsentiert und Dürrenmatt sie eher einer Berner Schlachtplatte gleich anrichtet, üppig und barock. Es war eine amüsante Lektüre.
March 26, 2019
Ich bin zwar ein riesen FAN von Dürrenmatt, aber diese Lektüre war einfach nur enttäuschend. Statt 150 Seiten konnte man die Handlung auf maximal 50 Seiten kürzen. Ich habe sehr oft Seiten überspringen müssen. :(
Vielleicht lag es auch einfach nur daran, dass meine Erwartungen zu hoch waren.
Vielleicht lag es auch einfach nur daran, dass meine Erwartungen zu hoch waren.
June 15, 2023
Alter Grieche. Der Titel verspricht mehr Griechenland als aufgetischt wird. Wie ein Griechischer Salat mit Essig und ohne Zwiebeln. Irgendwie in Ordnung aber halt nicht wirklich befriedigend.
June 3, 2025
Il ragionier Ugo Fantozzi if he were literally me fr fr
October 7, 2025
Dürrenmatt, Yunanlı Bir Kız Aranıyor’da hem toplumu hem bireyi hem de inancı ince bir alayla masaya yatırıyor.
Arnolph Arcilochos, ilkeleriyle yaşayan, dindar, katı ahlak anlayışına sahip bir adam. Dünyasını ilkelere, dine ve erdeme göre kuruyor ama bu katı düzenin ardında, doyurulamayan bir yalnızlık hissi var.
Arnolph bir gün, uzun süredir bastırdığı duygusal boşluğu doldurmak için gazeteye bir ilan veriyor. Kendisi gibi “masum”, Yunan kökenli bir kız arıyor. Bu arayış masum görünebilir ama içinde hem özlem hem kibir hem de korku var. İlanına cevap veren Chloe Saloniki, güzelliğiyle ve gizemiyle Arnolph’un bütün inanç sistemini sarsıyor.
Dürrenmatt bu karşılaşmayla, insanın dünyayı “idealize etme” eğilimiyle alay ediyor.
Bizim doğrularımızla uyuşmayan her şeyi yok etmeye, düzeltmeye ya da kendi kalıplarımıza uydurmaya çalışmamızı incelikle hicvediyor. Arnolph’un dünyasında saflık, dine bağlılık ve erdem yüceltiliyor; ama bunlar insanı mutlu etmeye yetmiyor. Çünkü dünya zaten korkunç bir yer ve bu korkunçluğun içinde gerçek bir insan olarak kalmak, belki de en zor şey.
Dünyayı kendi ahlak anlayışımıza göre şekillendirmeye çalışırken kimleri, neleri feda ediyoruz?
Ve bütün bu karmaşanın sonunda geriye ne kalıyor?
Dürrenmatt sonunda bizi basit ama derin bir yere götürüyor.
Koşulsuz sevgiye.
Çünkü dünyayı kurtaracak olan, belki de bütün bu anlamsızlığın içinde birbirimizi yargılamadan sevebilme cesaretidir.
Arnolph Arcilochos, ilkeleriyle yaşayan, dindar, katı ahlak anlayışına sahip bir adam. Dünyasını ilkelere, dine ve erdeme göre kuruyor ama bu katı düzenin ardında, doyurulamayan bir yalnızlık hissi var.
Arnolph bir gün, uzun süredir bastırdığı duygusal boşluğu doldurmak için gazeteye bir ilan veriyor. Kendisi gibi “masum”, Yunan kökenli bir kız arıyor. Bu arayış masum görünebilir ama içinde hem özlem hem kibir hem de korku var. İlanına cevap veren Chloe Saloniki, güzelliğiyle ve gizemiyle Arnolph’un bütün inanç sistemini sarsıyor.
Dürrenmatt bu karşılaşmayla, insanın dünyayı “idealize etme” eğilimiyle alay ediyor.
Bizim doğrularımızla uyuşmayan her şeyi yok etmeye, düzeltmeye ya da kendi kalıplarımıza uydurmaya çalışmamızı incelikle hicvediyor. Arnolph’un dünyasında saflık, dine bağlılık ve erdem yüceltiliyor; ama bunlar insanı mutlu etmeye yetmiyor. Çünkü dünya zaten korkunç bir yer ve bu korkunçluğun içinde gerçek bir insan olarak kalmak, belki de en zor şey.
Dünyayı kendi ahlak anlayışımıza göre şekillendirmeye çalışırken kimleri, neleri feda ediyoruz?
Ve bütün bu karmaşanın sonunda geriye ne kalıyor?
Dürrenmatt sonunda bizi basit ama derin bir yere götürüyor.
Koşulsuz sevgiye.
Çünkü dünyayı kurtaracak olan, belki de bütün bu anlamsızlığın içinde birbirimizi yargılamadan sevebilme cesaretidir.
May 30, 2020
Benim sevdiğim bir tarz. Biraz "Saatleri Ayarlama Enstitusu" tadı var. Çok şaşırtıcı ve çok iyi mesajları olan bir kitap. Kolay okunuyor.
October 2, 2023
2,5
Lo más interesante del libro son sus dos finales:
“FINAL 1. Sigue el final para bibliotecas de préstamo”
Y el segundo final es ciertamente de biblioteca de préstamo. 😂
Lo más interesante del libro son sus dos finales:
“FINAL 1. Sigue el final para bibliotecas de préstamo”
Y el segundo final es ciertamente de biblioteca de préstamo. 😂
June 14, 2020
An English-language translation of my review appears below.
Die Hauptfigur führt eine einsame und verarmte Existenz, aber mit Anstand. Sein ganzes Dasein dreht sich um eine raffinierte sittliche Weltordnung, die sich auf die angesehensten Personen der Gesellschaft richtet, die er auf den Podest stellt. Diese Weltordnung besteht aus hohen Politikern, Industriellen, Kirchenräten, Künstlern und dergleichen.
Obwohl er bisher in Armut und Anonymität gelebt hat, nimmt sein Schicksal eine plötzliche Wendung. Auf einmal wird er selbst berühmt und reich. Gegen jede Erwartung hat er daher die Gelegenheit, die direkte Bekanntschaft von allen diesen ranghohen Persönlichkeiten zu machen, die er früher aus der Ferne verehrt hat.
Das Ergebnis ist niederschmetternd. Keiner kommt auch nur annähernd dem Ideal gleich, das er sich von ihm vorgestellt hat. Auf diese Weise möchte Dürrenmatt uns vor Augen führen, wie die Elite genauso moralisch verdorben ist wie die übrige Gesellschaft.
——
The main character leads a lonely and impoverished existence, but with decency. His entire being revolves around an intricate moral world order oriented toward the most respected people in society, whom he places on a pedestal. This world order consists of high-level politicians, industrialists, church leaders, artists, and the like.
Although he has lived until now in poverty and anonymity, his fate takes a sudden turn. Suddenly he becomes famous and rich himself. Against any expectation, therefore, he has the opportunity to make the direct acquaintance of all these high-ranking personalities, whom he has previously revered from a distance.
The result is devastating. No one even approximately lives up to the ideal that he had imagined of him. In this manner, Dürrenmatt would like to demonstrate to us how the elite is just as morally corrupt as the rest of society.
Die Hauptfigur führt eine einsame und verarmte Existenz, aber mit Anstand. Sein ganzes Dasein dreht sich um eine raffinierte sittliche Weltordnung, die sich auf die angesehensten Personen der Gesellschaft richtet, die er auf den Podest stellt. Diese Weltordnung besteht aus hohen Politikern, Industriellen, Kirchenräten, Künstlern und dergleichen.
Obwohl er bisher in Armut und Anonymität gelebt hat, nimmt sein Schicksal eine plötzliche Wendung. Auf einmal wird er selbst berühmt und reich. Gegen jede Erwartung hat er daher die Gelegenheit, die direkte Bekanntschaft von allen diesen ranghohen Persönlichkeiten zu machen, die er früher aus der Ferne verehrt hat.
Das Ergebnis ist niederschmetternd. Keiner kommt auch nur annähernd dem Ideal gleich, das er sich von ihm vorgestellt hat. Auf diese Weise möchte Dürrenmatt uns vor Augen führen, wie die Elite genauso moralisch verdorben ist wie die übrige Gesellschaft.
——
The main character leads a lonely and impoverished existence, but with decency. His entire being revolves around an intricate moral world order oriented toward the most respected people in society, whom he places on a pedestal. This world order consists of high-level politicians, industrialists, church leaders, artists, and the like.
Although he has lived until now in poverty and anonymity, his fate takes a sudden turn. Suddenly he becomes famous and rich himself. Against any expectation, therefore, he has the opportunity to make the direct acquaintance of all these high-ranking personalities, whom he has previously revered from a distance.
The result is devastating. No one even approximately lives up to the ideal that he had imagined of him. In this manner, Dürrenmatt would like to demonstrate to us how the elite is just as morally corrupt as the rest of society.
September 8, 2016
When Idols Fail in Reality: Once a Greek by Friedrich Dürrenmatt
Abridged version of my review posted on Edith’s Miscellany on 3 January 2014
The satire Once a Greek is set in French-speaking Switzerland, presumably in the (fictitious) capital. The protagonist called Arnolph Archilochos is a middle-aged sub-accountant, an insignificant underling in one of countless open-plan offices of the Machine Factory Petit-Paysan plc. He’s a very principled and religious man, a model of virtue imitating a number of chosen idols who leads a rather ascetic and bleak life. One Sunday the hostess of the Chez Auguste where he has his meals convinces him to place a Lonely Heart’s ad in the paper. Being of Greek descent, he seeks a Greek girl, an innocent like himself. Beautiful and charming Chloé Saloniki answers to the ad and everybody except Arnolph realizes at first sight that she is a prostitute. They agree on getting married quickly and even quicker the collapse of his idyllic view of life as well as the fall of his idols announces itself.
The plot of Once a Greek is absurd, the language matter-of-fact. Essentially Friedrich Dürrenmatt satirizes our inclination to idealize the world before our eyes and to simply fade out or mentally alter everything that doesn’t fit in. People of rigorous virtue are particularly prone to it, if they – like Arnolph – take for granted that others observe the same moral values as themselves. But sooner or later everybody has to face reality and to decide how to deal with it. In the end unconditional love is all that counts.
For me Once a Greek by Friedrich Dürrenmatt has been a quick and interesting read which I enjoyed very much and therefore recommend although the English has been out of print already for a while.
For the full review please click here to go to my blog Edith’s Miscellany.
Abridged version of my review posted on Edith’s Miscellany on 3 January 2014
The satire Once a Greek is set in French-speaking Switzerland, presumably in the (fictitious) capital. The protagonist called Arnolph Archilochos is a middle-aged sub-accountant, an insignificant underling in one of countless open-plan offices of the Machine Factory Petit-Paysan plc. He’s a very principled and religious man, a model of virtue imitating a number of chosen idols who leads a rather ascetic and bleak life. One Sunday the hostess of the Chez Auguste where he has his meals convinces him to place a Lonely Heart’s ad in the paper. Being of Greek descent, he seeks a Greek girl, an innocent like himself. Beautiful and charming Chloé Saloniki answers to the ad and everybody except Arnolph realizes at first sight that she is a prostitute. They agree on getting married quickly and even quicker the collapse of his idyllic view of life as well as the fall of his idols announces itself.
The plot of Once a Greek is absurd, the language matter-of-fact. Essentially Friedrich Dürrenmatt satirizes our inclination to idealize the world before our eyes and to simply fade out or mentally alter everything that doesn’t fit in. People of rigorous virtue are particularly prone to it, if they – like Arnolph – take for granted that others observe the same moral values as themselves. But sooner or later everybody has to face reality and to decide how to deal with it. In the end unconditional love is all that counts.
For me Once a Greek by Friedrich Dürrenmatt has been a quick and interesting read which I enjoyed very much and therefore recommend although the English has been out of print already for a while.
For the full review please click here to go to my blog Edith’s Miscellany.
August 11, 2014
Da tempo non mi divertivo tanto e in modo così... interessante. "Greco cerca greca" è una commedia, una satira perfettamente riuscita sull'etica dei benpensanti. Il protagonista è un modesto impiegato di origini greche, il cui piccolo mondo è governato da una rigida gerarchia di personalità che lui ritiene moralmente impeccabili: al primo posto il presidente della repubblica, al secondo il vescovo, poi il proprietario dell'azienda per cui lavora, e così via. Tutto famiglia, chiesa e lavoro, finché non mette un annuncio matrimoniale su un giornale e incontra la sconvolgente Cloe. Se qualcuno dovesse chiedermi cosa penso non vada nella nostra società, un ottimo primo passo sarebbe prestare o semplicemente consigliare questo breve romanzo di Dürrenmatt: in poche pagine contiene numerosi spunti di riflessione, e in più è divertente.
July 27, 2011
Meine Lieblingsaussage:
"Nehmen Sie dieser Ereignisse ebenso demütig hin, wie Sie es tun würden, wenn es Unglücksfälle wären. [...] Vielleicht haben Sie nun einen besonders schweren Weg zu gehen, den Weg des Glücks, der nur darum den meisten Menschen nicht auferlegt wird, weil sie ihn noch weniger zu begehen wüssten, als den Weg des Unglücks, welchen wir hienieden in der Regel zu wandeln haben."
"Nehmen Sie dieser Ereignisse ebenso demütig hin, wie Sie es tun würden, wenn es Unglücksfälle wären. [...] Vielleicht haben Sie nun einen besonders schweren Weg zu gehen, den Weg des Glücks, der nur darum den meisten Menschen nicht auferlegt wird, weil sie ihn noch weniger zu begehen wüssten, als den Weg des Unglücks, welchen wir hienieden in der Regel zu wandeln haben."
May 20, 2011
Read in original German.
What happens when a Greek (only by ancestor) looks for a wife, but of course she also has to be Greek. The answer to the advertisement seems to be the solution to the problem. The "Greek" finds the ideal woman. Known by all, popular and very attractive, but there are problems. A book perhaps not typical for Dürrenmat but amusing.
What happens when a Greek (only by ancestor) looks for a wife, but of course she also has to be Greek. The answer to the advertisement seems to be the solution to the problem. The "Greek" finds the ideal woman. Known by all, popular and very attractive, but there are problems. A book perhaps not typical for Dürrenmat but amusing.
June 7, 2015
Až Vianovsky šílená poetika žene tenhle příběh dopředu jako stádo koní, ale tam kde Vian přidává poslední instanci šílenství, tam Dürrenmat tlačí na základní lidské hodnoty. Hezky se to čte, snadno se rozkóduje mravní ponaučení, ale k hlubšímu zásahu pořád přeci jen knize něco chybí. Přesněji tanky, Jirka Pomeje a anální sex.
April 13, 2022
Diese "Prosakomödie" ist bemüht absurd, aber leider nicht komisch. Ich wurde das Gefühl nicht los, dass etwas, das als Witz schon nicht besonders gezündet hätte, hier auf 150 Seiten gestreckt wurde.
Warum? Weder der Schreibstil noch die Moral der Geschichte sind besonders originell.
Vielleicht muss man das Buch in anderem Kontext lesen. Vielleicht ist es an mich verschwendet. Ich mag's nicht.
Warum? Weder der Schreibstil noch die Moral der Geschichte sind besonders originell.
Vielleicht muss man das Buch in anderem Kontext lesen. Vielleicht ist es an mich verschwendet. Ich mag's nicht.
January 27, 2012
Este es un cuento muy divertido que me hizo reir (es uno de los pocos libros que he comprado) te atrapa de principio a fin; y te preguntas si en el mundo puede haber gente tan... pintoresca. Lo mejor es que la vida te enseña que hay incluso más pintorescos que estos personajes. La recomiendo.
June 3, 2016
Qual'è la forza della virtù?
Qual'è la forza dell'amore?
E' più facile sopportare un eccesso di fortuna o un eccesso di sfortuna, e, soprattutto, c'è più moralità nella fortuna o nella sfortuna?
Una deliziosa commedia degli equivoci.
Qual'è la forza dell'amore?
E' più facile sopportare un eccesso di fortuna o un eccesso di sfortuna, e, soprattutto, c'è più moralità nella fortuna o nella sfortuna?
Una deliziosa commedia degli equivoci.
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