Robert Walser
German
The story begins with the narrator deciding to go for a walk on a beautiful morning. He leaves his study, feeling a sense of romantic adventure and finding the world outside fresh and friendly, a stark contrast to his earlier brooding over an empty page. As he walks through a lively square, he encounters Professor Meili, a figure of immense authority and gravitas, whose imposing presence inspires awe and respect. The narrator observes various characters and scenes: a bookshop, a bakery, a cyclist, a doctor, a wealthy junk dealer, children playing, dogs, and elegant women. He reflects on the unbridled nature of children and the inevitable tempering effect of age. Two gentlemen greet each other with elaborate hat gestures, highlighting the importance of the hats themselves. The narrator enters a bookshop, somewhat hesitantly, unsure if he'll be perceived as a discerning customer or a mere inspector. He inquires about the most popular and critically acclaimed book, only to be shown a bestseller that he then coldly rejects, leaving the bookseller bewildered and calling him ignorant. His walk then leads him to a bank, where he is unexpectedly informed by a bank official that a group of benevolent women has credited his account with one thousand francs. The official explains that he appears to be in great need of care and that the money is now available. The narrator is visibly delighted by this news, his face lighting up with joy. He decides to leave the money with the bank for safekeeping and interest, expressing his intention to thank the donors and handle the money with caution. He muses on the deceptive nature of appearances and the value of struggle and endured suffering over fleeting pleasures. Continuing his stroll, he recalls a polite invitation from a Frau Aebi for lunch at one o'clock. He then passes a bakery with ostentatious gold lettering, which he criticizes for its vulgarity and blatant display of wealth, lamenting the loss of modesty and good taste in society. He notes a busy metal foundry and feels a pang of shame for his idleness compared to the workers. A passing acquaintance on a bicycle comments on his leisurely walk on a workday, which he readily admits to. He feels like a lord in his yellow suit, despite being in a modest neighborhood, reflecting on the contrast between agricultural and industrial life. He observes charming scenes of dogs and children, appreciating their innocence and the simple beauty of the countryside. He expresses disdain for fast-driving automobiles, viewing them as a disruption to the peace and beauty of the world. He then encounters two significant figures he had anticipated: a former actress and a young aspiring singer. He speaks to a woman on a bench, mistaking her for an actress due to her distinguished appearance. She politely corrects him, stating she has never been an actress. He reflects on his own past struggles and how this region has helped him find peace and become a better person. He then visits a charming dress shop, admiring the hats and the blend of artificiality and nature. He also notes a butcher shop and a grocery store. He is drawn to a particularly elegant house and, upon closer inspection, finds it to be an old manor house with the year 1709 visible. He imagines the life of scholars and artists who might have lived there. He observes a Moorish-style garden pavilion and reflects on the beauty of nighttime and music. His reverie is interrupted by a group of noisy people and cars, which he finds disruptive. He continues his walk and has a humorous exchange with a dog, whom he playfully scolds for not greeting him. He then reflects on the contrast between a well-dressed gentleman and poorly-clad children, questioning the morality of such disparities. He observes a tired working woman, contrasting her with pampered young ladies. He also comments on architectural styles, criticizing unnecessary ornamentation and the over-adornment of fountains. He admires a chapel and a villa, contrasting their styles and the worlds they represent. As evening approaches, he witnesses various everyday scenes: a piano factory, an electric tram, cows, farmers, heavy trucks, returning factory workers, a traveling circus, children playing war, a gallows, woodcutters, pigs, a farmhouse, and various market stalls. He stops to read a poster for a boarding house that caters exclusively to wealthy and refined gentlemen, emphasizing their selective clientele and high standards. He acknowledges the possibility of repetition in his narrative, viewing it as a natural aspect of life. His walk concludes by a lake where a teacher is giving a nature lesson to children. He feels a sense of melancholy and self-reproach, reflecting on past mistakes and the harshness he has shown others. He recalls seeing a destitute old man in the woods and feels a profound sense of human suffering and mortality. He then remembers a beautiful young girl he had tried to express his affection to, but who had left. He questions the purpose of collecting flowers in his state of unhappiness. As darkness falls, he begins his journey home, his walk having been a rich tapestry of observations, encounters, and reflections.
