Absolution

"Absolution" by Clara Viebig is a story set in the countryside that follows Mrs. Sophia Tiralla who is caught in a difficult marriage with her husband along with her maid, Marianna. The beginning of the book suggests that some people might not be happy in their marriages and feel trapped by what society expects of them, while also showing how tricky human feelings and lies can be. Right away, the reader sees Mrs. Tiralla is not at peace as her terror of rats gets revealed in the cellar. The relationship between Mrs. Tiralla and Marianna seems manipulative and filled with concern. Mrs. Tiralla wants more from her life, and Marianna seems to understand Mrs. Tiralla's weaknesses. How they act towards each other early on points to more problematic issues of anger, longing, and possible dishonesty in their lives.