The novel “Der Büttnerbauer” by German writer Wilhelm Polenz stands as a remarkable example of naturalism in late 19th-century literature. At its core lies an unflinching portrayal of the lives of German peasants during a period of profound social and economic upheaval driven by the capitalist modernization of agriculture. With precision and deep psychological insight, Polenz depicts the peasants’ daily lives, labor, relationships, revealing the tensions between traditional rural existence and the encroaching forces of modern economic realities. The novel illustrates how these changes disrupt communal ties, leading to poverty and alienation.
