Armgard von Schilling Character Analysis in Buddenbrooks

Armgard von Schilling is Tony’s friend from boarding school. Though she comes from a noble family, she is kind and relatively down to earth, and Tony frequently cites Armgard as evidence of the benevolence of the ruling class. Armgard marries Count von Maiboom, who turns out to have a serious gambling problem, leading the family to financial ruin. Tony convinces Thomas to do business with Count von Maiboom as a favor to Armgard, but the business deal backfires and results in a major loss for the Buddenbrook firm. Years later, Tony learns of Count von Maiboom’s death by suicide when she stumbles upon his obituary in the newspaper. Tony is heartbroken for her widowed friend, but Thomas reacts to the news with harsh, cold indifference.

Armgard von Schilling Character Timeline in Buddenbrooks

The timeline below shows where the character Armgard von Schilling appears in Buddenbrooks. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

At dinner on Tony’s first day at school, she is assigned a spot between Armgard von Schilling, the daughter of a squire; and Gerda Arnoldsen, an elegant and sophisticated girl... (full context)

Personal Fulfillment and Self-Knowledge Theme Icon

In their room one night, Armgard swoons over their lecturer Dr. Neumann. Tony suggests Armgard marry Neumann if she is so... (full context)

...he hasn’t, she says he has no right to judge. She cites her school friend Armgard von Schilling as a lovely, kind girl who happens to be nobility. (full context)

...a letter dated April 30, 1846, Tony writes to Bethsy. She mentions Bethsy’s news of Armgard von Schilling’s engagement to Herr von Maiboom of Poppenrade. Tony’s friend Eva Ewers is getting... (full context)

...1868, Tony, newly returned from a trip to the country to visit her old friend Armgard, drops by Thomas’s house. She finds Thomas all alone this evening: Ida Jungmann is busy... (full context)

Things could be worse, though. Tony confesses that while she was visiting Armgard, Armgard confessed that her husband, Herr von Maiboom, has a huge gambling problem. In fact,... (full context)

...overcome with emotion. The obituary is for the recent suicide of Ralf von Maiboom—Tony’s friend Armgard’s husband. He shot himself in the family home. As Tony feels deep grief for her... (full context)

...living with just Erika and baby Elisabeth at Linden Platz, and she’s recently reconnected with Armgard, who moved to town following the death of her husband. But Weinschenk won’t be able... (full context)