43
John:
cont'dYou know how attached I am to them all. But, in what concerns my work, my own people are of no assistance to me whatever. . . And that's why I have lived in a sort of seventh heaven since you have been here, Miss Anna. It is the first time in my life that any one has taken an understanding, what may be called a professional, interest in my work, in any possible achievement of mine. It gives me fresh life. It's like rain on the dry ground. It is. . .[1]
In the Third Act, his mother is demanding that Johannes terminate his friendship with Anna by asking her to leave his house. The misjudgment of his behavior with Anna by his mother and Braun prompts Johannes to go his own way regardless of their opposition:
John: I really think you have gone off your head. Are you all determined to talk me into believing in a conflict of interests which does not exist? What you say is not true. There is no decision required. The bond between Anna and me is not the same as the bond between Kitty and me,--there need be no clashing. It is friendship, damn it all! . . . It is you people who do not know what you are doing, I tell you. . . If you care for me at all, do not interfere with me. You don't know what is going on in me.
. . . I am ruled by a different spirit; you and your opinion have lost all power over me. I have found myself, and intend to be myself--myself in spite of all of you.[2]
In the Fourth Act, the alliance between Johannes and Anna develops into a nobler state of fellowship:
John: . . . Friendship is the foundation on which this love will arise, beautiful, unchangeable, a
