A Question

"A Question" by Georg Ebers is a story set in old Syracuse, diving into the lives of people connected to Lysander's rich home, mainly through the eyes of Semestre, the head of the house. We meet Xanthe, Lysander’s beautiful daughter, who is caught between her feelings for her cousin Phaon and the expected arrival of Leonax, a handsome man from Messina who might become her husband. The novel starts by showing the everyday happenings in Lysander’s house, with servants chatting about what will happen to the land since Lysander has been sick. As everyone wonders about the future of Lysander's property and what will happen to Xanthe and Phaon, Xanthe feels excited and worried about Leonax coming, while also feeling jealous about rumors that Phaon is interested in another rich girl. The story balances funny moments with serious ones, showing the complicated relationships and possible love stories all happening while family loyalty and doing what’s expected hang over their heads, hinting that trouble is on the way.