With Closed Eyes = Traumnovelle. Level 2

Arthur Schnitzler – an Austrian writer and the largest representative of Viennese Impressionism. The son of a famous Viennese doctor, he graduated from the Medical Faculty of the University of Vienna, worked in various fields of medicine, was well acquainted... with Sigmund Freud, and was interested in his psychoanalytic theory. All these elements are reflected in the writer's work. With Closed Eyes – is a story of dreams, narrating the relationship of the married couple Fridolin and Albertine, who at first glance appear to be happy and loving people living a calm and prosperous life. But in the shadow of these ideal relationships lie jealousy, dissatisfaction, and erotic fantasies. A series of strange events and chance encounters taking place over the course of just one night draws the reader along with the main characters into an unknown bohemian world full of mysteries, hidden desires, and mysterious dangers. Schnitzler's mystical novella, which served as the basis for the script of Stanley Kubrick's last masterpiece, With Closed Eyes, 1999, makes everyone ponder: is the reality surrounding us merely a dream where we, with our eyes wide shut, try to find our way and come to ourselves? The text of the work is adapted for levels A2-B1 for those continuing to study the German language at a lower level and is accompanied by comments. After the story, exercises with answers are offered. At the end of the book – a dictionary of the vocabulary used, facilitating reading.