Die unerhoerte Begebenheit in Kleists 'Der Zweikampf', 'Das erdbeben in Chili', 'Der Findling' und Droste-Huelshoffs 'Die Judenbuche' (German text, Heinrich von Kleist, Annette von Droste-Huelshoff)

The present work offers an interpretation of three novellas by Heinrich von Kleist (1777–1811) and one by Annette von Droste-Hülshoff (1797–1848). The novellas to be considered were all written in the first half of the 19th century.; The main focus of the following interpretation concerns the “unerhörte Begebenheit” (unheard-of event) according to Goethe's definition of the novella, one of the most important poets of German literature.; The analysis will show that Kleist and Droste-Hülshoff have a different world conception. The world of Kleist is a place of unjustices and suffering. His image of God is a break from the Christian tradition, since God leaves people alone with their bitter destiny. In contrast to Kleist's view, Droste-Hülshoff sees a world in which God assures justice.