August Part I Summary and Analysis

August 2nd has come and the aunt and Edward are away; Cordelia is home alone. Johannes visits the house, catching Cordelia off guard, but she makes a powerful impression on him with her beauty. Johannes remains dispassionate. After a few short comments, Johannes draws close to her and proposes. Cordelia was surprised, remarking that she did not know him well and referred him to hear aunt. The aunt gave her consent and Cordelia follows. Johannes knows it is not poetic, but philistine and bourgeois.

The third comes and Johannes proclaims that he is engaged. Cordelia knows nothing more of it and will not even know if she loves him. Edward is furious and wants to tell Cordelia of Johannes's cunning but Edward will look unshaven and crazy if he does so.

Johannes's plan is to organize the...