“Fantastic Night” was one of the Stefan Zweig's best short stories, in which the author depicted the psychological self-revelation of a well-to-do young Baron in early 20th century.
The leading role Baron R was an elegant, noble, wealthy and good-looking young man with no ambition since he had everything he wanted. All upper social class popular hobbies, such as hunting, traveling and music or art performances, had failed to excite him. He was unhappy and his life enthusiasm extinguished.
The fantastic night made him reborn. Actually it was not only the night, but also the afternoon, when he gave in to a moment's impulse and released a flood of emotions. Intoxicated by his own sensations, he went on a spree of unchecked wildness. He mischievously stole money in a horse gambling. After meeting a cheap, tasteless young prostitute, he was blackmailed by a man. Facing the man, he gradually overcame his fear and gained bravery. With new insight in himself, he finally spread his money like confetti on empty street. Meanwhile, he was satisfied with himself while imagining happy faces of people who found the money surprisingly and wisely used it. The fantastic night switched his life path and rejuvenated him.
The story was intense and profound. The joy of psychological self-disclosure of a young man, and the rekindled passion for life were the most visible thread throughout the whole novel. Like Zweig showed us: “Once a man has found himself, there is nothing in this world that he can lose. And once he has understood humanity in himself, he will understand all human beings”.
Sorry for my poor English. I am unable to describe more about this novel. But it is highly worth-reading.
