FRENSSEN, Gustav, German novelist: b. in Barlt, in Ditmarschen, a district on the western coast of Holstein, 19 Oct. 1863. He received his early education in the volksschule at Barlt and later attended the gymnasium at Meldorf and Husum, not far from his birth place. From 1886 to 1890 he studied theology at the universities of Tubingen, Berlin and Kid. In 1890 he became pastor in the village of Hemme in Ditmarschen. In 1902, after the phenomenal success of 'Jam Uhl,) he resigned his position as pastor in order to devote himself entirely to literary labors. For a time he then resided in Meldorf, but eventually he moved to Blankenese on the Elbe, a suburb of Ham burg, where he at present resides. Frenssen's power lies in his ability to describe nature and the life of his home community. The fate of the families and the individuals of his neigh borhood had interested him from his boyhood days. He knows the seas, the forests and the moors of his native Ditmarschen and de scribes them in a realistic way. In reading his novels one soon finds himself deeply, interested in the characters that are being portrayed. One lives and feels with them, spnpathizes with their sorrows and grows with them in the development of their ideals.
His first novel, 'Die Sandgrafin' (1896), shows as yet no originality. Frenssen is still working in the ordinary novelist's fashion. An improvement may be seen in 'Die drei Get reuen' (1898). We find here an attractive picture of the author's home community and its people. The causes of the social disturb arias and the large emigration to America are treated. 'Joni Uhl,' the book which made Frenssen's reputation, appeared in 1901. It gives a vivid description of the struggles of a peasant in his attempts to lift himself above the drudgery and misery of his environment and to realize his higher, better self. In spite of his misfortunes the hero is not discouraged and eventually emerges into a happier existence as an engineer. The average reader feels that it would have been more appropriate if Ji5rn would have been permitted to work out his salvation as a peasant, but he is carried away by the descriptive power of the author and all his doubts vanish. More than 250,000 copies of this novel have been sold, a success almost without precedent on the German book market. In 'Hagenlei' ('Holy Land,' 1905) Frenssen wishes to show why the people have been unable to grasp the teachings of the man of Galilee. The book attempts. to bring about a rebirth of religion in spirit and in truth. It is doubtful, however, whether the literary field should be made the arena for agitation and reform. The artistic elements in literature
are likely to suffer in this way and in 'Hilli genleP the difficult problems are not solved, nor are they elevated into the field of the purely artistic. The characters are true to life and are sketched in an attractive fashion, but the conclusion to this novel is even more unsatis factory than in 'Joni Uhl.' In 'Peter Moors Fahrt nath Siidwest' (1907) Frenssen gives a patriotic appreciation of German valor in a far-distant African col ony. The story, which is based upon the re ports of a military campaign, is told in a simple and artistic way. The author has freed him self in this book from his tendency to inter pose reflections on life and there are no episodes to• detract from the unity of action. In 'Klaus Hinrich Baas' (1909) Frenssen describes the career of a country lad who left his home and worked out a commercial career in the city of Hamburg. Klaus is without culture but is practical and worldly-wise and fights his way against opposition until he is known as a suc cessful business man. While Joni Uhl was an idealist and stargazer, Klaus is a coolly calcu lating man who depends entirely upon himself in attaining his ends. (Der Untergang der Anna Hollman) pictures the tragedy of lust for wealth. The hero, Jan Guldt, an ardent youth, is temporarily overcome but eventually emerges strengthened in character and insistently de mands justice. Frenssen has also published three small volumes of (Dorfpredigten> (1889), village sermons, and two dramas, 'Das Heimats fest' and (Sorike Erichson.' In 1915 he wrote a in hexameters which, how ever, after much discussion, was withdrawn from the bookmarket, as it apparently failed to meet the ideas of the great chancellor held by most Germans.
Frenssen's writings show the influence of Storm, Raabe and Dickens. His novels have been widely read, not only in Germany, but also in translations in England and America. At times his writings have episodes which detract somewhat from the main theme, but they fas cinate the reader and he would be loath to have them omitted. Occasionally one feels the preacher transcending the artist in Frenssen's desire to reform society, but we cannot help but admire his moral earnestness. He feels it his duty to speak the truth about life as he understands it. One of the admirers of Frens sen says that Ehrlichkeit is at the foundation of his great success. See JoRM UHL. Consult 'Gustav Frenssen,' by Hans Martin Elster (1910) ; Bierwirth, H. C., in 'German Classics,' (Vol. XVII, New York 1914). Also the his tories of German literature by R. M. Meyer and Alfred Biese.