Confusion of Emotions: A New Translation

Stefan Zweig's The Confusion of Emotions (Verwirrung der Gefühle), first published in 1927, is a deeply introspective novella that explores the complexities of human relationships, intellectual passion, and unspoken desires. Written in Zweig's signature style-marked by psychological depth, emotional intensity, and elegant prose-the story delves into the hidden turmoil of an aging scholar as he reflects on a transformative period in his youth.

The novella follows Roland, a young university student who, restless and uninspired, is sent by his father to study under a revered professor. Initially indifferent to academia, Roland is soon captivated by the professor's brilliance and develops an intense admiration for his intellect and character. As their relationship deepens, Roland finds himself drawn into a world of admiration, loyalty, and emotional dependency. However, beneath the surface of this mentorship lies a confusing and unspoken tension-one that challenges Roland's understanding of himself and the professor's concealed struggles.

With remarkable psychological insight, Zweig examines the fine line between admiration and obsession, mentorship and manipulation, love and repression. His exploration of the emotional and intellectual bonds that shape our lives remains strikingly modern, touching on themes of self-discovery, repression, and the complexities of human affection. The novella's intimate and confessional tone gives it a haunting, personal quality that lingers long after the final page.

This new translation preserves the lyricism and intensity of Zweig's original prose, allowing contemporary readers to experience the full emotional force of The Confusion of Emotions. Whether approached as a psychological study, a meditation on intellectual awakening, or an exploration of unspoken desires, Zweig's novella remains one of his most profound and thought-provoking works.