Fontane and Storm: A Study in Differences

Abstract

In the history of literature, friend3hips between authors have often meant both challenge and encouragement, so that each was able to surpass his previous achievements. But beside these examples of mutual inspiration and collaboration stand the stories of other authors who seemed to have much to give to each other, but whose acquaintance never ripened into a close understanding. Such a relationship was that of Theodor Fontane and Theodor Storm, a friendship which, as Fontane wrote shortly after Storm's death: [sich] trotz beiderseitig besten Willens, zwischen ihm und mir nicht herstellen lassen wollte.l