Schnitzler's Vienna

Below is in overview of  the book Schnitzler's Vienna, by Bruce Thompson, which explains Vienna during the era that Arthur Schnitzler set Reigen.


Le Fin de Siècle Vienna

The years from 1880 to end of the century is often referred to as “le fin de siècle” and can be literally translated to: the end of the century. Though this phrase denotes a specific time period, in Vienna it represents a particular way of life. Vienna at this time is known for its decadent citizens, social facades that hid morally loose ways of living, distinct class structures, and the beginning of the end for Hapsburg rule. This is the Vienna most strongly re-created and reflected upon in the works of Arthur Schnitzler.

At this time Vienna was still part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire ruled by members of the Hapsburg family, the Emperor Franz Josef and his wife Elizabeth. Franz Josef ruled conservatively and, though a parliament was in existence, maintained ultimate power. His family hoped for a progressive and liberal empire, but Franz Josef maintained order and ruled conservatively for nearly 70 years, devoted to his empire and its people. In 1889 Franz Josef’s son committed suicide and in 1898 the Empress Elizabeth was assassinated. After these tragedies the Emperor withdrew from the public eye and grew more and more feeble and his empire followed suit. His main goal was to keep the empire in-tact but was forced to declare war in 1914 when his successor, Franz Ferdinand was assassinated in Sarajevo.
            In Vienna at the end of the 19^th century there were strong distinctions between the classes and though there was opportunity to rise in social status, the groups tended to stay within their own class. The Aristocracy, which also included officers of the Imperial Army, lived within the palaces of the inner city, the Bourgeoisie (middle class) in what was known as the Ring districts, the lower-middle classes in the Vorstadt or the inner districts, and the Proletariat (lowest classes) to the outer suburbs. The Aristocracy retained certain privileges including the privilege to fight duels to solve their problems and to establish a extravagant repuation. Dueling had lost its popularity and was illegal in other parts of the world, but remained legal for the higher classes until 1911. Even then, it only forbade dueling over problems that were not of the utmost seriousness.

Though there were distinct classes in Vienna, this was essentially the time of the Bourgeoisie or middle classes. This class was wide ranging and was made up of  artists, merchants, government officials, and doctors. This middle class patronized the arts and built up areas of the city attempting to compete with and mingle within the higher class. Viennese life, at this time, was very theatrical and many of the citizens participated in a sort of social game playing. Preserving an outer appearance that contradicted the extravagant and often sexually promiscuous life they led. Competition within the classes, as well as competition with the classes above one own, was common and this outer appearance the Bourgeoisie was used to putting on often rivaled the upper-classes in its grand nature and interests. This allowed for Vienna to become somewhat progressive in the arts, ways of thinking, and technology (such as electric light and the motor car). Artists like the painter Gustav Klimt, musicians like Mahler, and writers like Schnitzler emerged out of Vienna at this time representing this culture as well as creating an influence throughout the world.

At the end of the century there was a distinct cultural and artistic influence felt in other parts of the world coming out of Vienna. At this time there was another, less positive, movement coming out of Vienna as well. Anti-Semitism began to rise and it was felt in the legislation that banned Jewish citizen from diplomatic services, high ranks in government, and high ranks of the military. Much of this hatred and prejudice started in 1873 when the Stock Exchange crashed and Jewish financiers were blamed. After the turn of the century, a young Adolf Hitler spent time in Vienna. He was impressed by some of the more violent acts of anti-Semitism and it has been said by scholars that this is where his own breed of anti-Semitism began to take root.

All of these aspects of Viennese life, at the turn of the century Vienna affected Arthur Schnitzler. He was the son of a prominent middle-class Jewish doctor and as a student and one-time military officer he lived a typical but prominent middle class life. Schnitzler moved within his class structure, participated in the game playing, lived a fast paced and culturally rich lifestyle, and was at times affected by the anti-Semitism that was around him.  It is this culture and life-style that Schnitzler continually comments on and documents throughout his work. Through Schnitzler, the world has begun to understand the inner workings of this rich culture, and has been able to catch a glimpse inside the minds (and bedrooms) of the citizens of le fin de siècle Vienna.

Thompson, Bruce. 1990. Schnitzler's Vienna: image of a society. London:                 Routledge