A critical examination of literature across the 19th century. The course begins with Goethe's "Faust," a work that captures the intellectual and spiritual discontent of the romantic era. This seminal work delves into the pursuit of knowledge, the nature of desire, and the quest for meaning, setting a thematic foundation for the course. This is complemented by the Romantic poetry of Keats, Shelley, and Byron. The focus shifts to the novel with Austen's "Pride and Prejudice" and "Emma," which feature intricate character development and social commentary. The course concludes with Dostoyevsky's "Notes from Underground" and "Crime and Punishment," offering a profound exploration of psychological depth, moral ambiguity, and existential struggle. Throughout the course students will engage with these texts to understand the 19th century's literary innovations, their reflection of contemporary intellectual currents, and their lasting impact on narrative techniques and modern literary thought.