This thesis delineates the Swiss author Gottfried Keller's philosophy of life based on interpretations of three of his stories. The tales used in this study are Pankraz, der Schmoller and Das verlorne Lachen from Die Leute von Seldwyla, Band I, 1856, and Band Ii, 1874, respectively, and Der Landvoqt von Greifensee from the Ziricher Novellen, 1878.This study found that the keystone of Gottfried Keller's philosophy of life is responsibility. After accepting the challenge of personal responsibility in becoming what he is capable of becoming (Sichfinden) it is man's obligation to consider the needs of his fellow man and country--his civic responsibility. In addition this thesis has discussed the elements of religion, death, and love in Keller's philosophy of life.
Master's Theses [5589] Master's theses submitted to the Graduate School by Ball State University master's degree candidates in partial fulfillment of degree requirements.