The article delves into Benjamin Constant's novel 'Adolphe,' originally written in 1806 but published in 1816, now being reissued by Luni with a new translation. It argues that 'Adolphe' serves as a counter-narrative to the romantic Sturm und Drang movement reflected in Goethe's 'The Sorrows of Young Werther' and Foscolo's 'Last Letters of Jacopo Ortis.' While those earlier works depict unfortunate romances, Constant's protagonist experiences an unwanted love that transforms him into a perpetrator against his will, challenging the prevailing romantic mysticism that characterized European sentimentality of the time.

Furthermore, the article provides context about Constant, a Swiss-born author who became French through education, and discusses his literary influences and predecessors. Constant's portrayal of love is marked by a critique of societal norms, which he presents as obstacles to personal joy in romantic pursuits. This approach not only disrupts traditional romantic narratives but also reflects the complexities of human emotions and relationships during a transformative period in European literature, defying the expectations of his contemporaries.

In essence, 'Adolphe' encapsulates a unique perspective on love and dictatorship, where the central character's internal conflicts and societal pressures culminate in a critique of the romantic ideals that were being glorified in the early 19th century. The reissue of the novel invites modern readers to reconsider these themes and their relevance in contemporary discussions around love, power, and personal agency, thus reaffirming Constant's significant role in literary history.