novel, we are introduced to Dr. Walter Rohme, who is in a state of emotional turmoil over his feelings for Claudia. The setting is charged with the aftermath of a theatrical performance, where Rohme grapples with his self-worth and relationship with Claudia, who appears unaware of his inner struggles. As they engage in conversation about the play and the nature of manhood through the lens of characters like Götz and Weislingen, we see the tension in Rohme's character—a blend of admiration, insecurity, and the desire to declare his love. The narrative hints at a deep-seated conflict over class differences, as Rohme feels inadequate compared to Claudia's societal status, leading to his struggle to find the words to express his feelings. (This is an automatically generated summary.)