Honor: A Play in Four Acts

"Honor: A Play in Four Acts" by Hermann Sudermann is a theatrical play written in the late 19th century. The work explores the complexities of individual principles in conflict with societal conventions, especially regarding the concept of honor. The main character, Robert Heinecke, returns home after years abroad, confronting the expectations and judgments of his family, particularly in relation to his sister Alma. The opening of the play introduces the Heinecke family, who are filled with joy at the return of their son Robert. We see their humble living conditions contrasted with Robert's aspirations and experiences from his years in India. The family dynamic quickly reveals underlying tensions, with concerns about Robert’s sister Alma potentially having been influenced by their privileged neighbors, the Muhlingks. As Robert navigates this reunion, he grapples with feelings of honor, societal expectations, and the implications of his sister's choices, setting the stage for the conflicts that will unfold throughout the play. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Hermann Sudermann was a German dramatist and novelist.