Lebrecht Kröger Character Analysis in Buddenbrooks

Lebrecht Kröger is Bethsy’s father. He serves alongside Consul Buddenbrook on the town council and opposes the common people’s calls for democracy. Lebrecht Kröger dies upon his and Consul Buddenbrook’s return from a council meeting at which the council members nearly clashed with a crowd of revolutionaries. His death thus symbolizes the decline of the old social order and the rise of the new.

Lebrecht Kröger Character Timeline in Buddenbrooks

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

...“will have some work to do.” Johann smiles and explains that the sweets are from Lebrecht Kröger , his generous relative. Guests continue to arrive. There’s Pastor Wunderlich, an elderly widower. Wunderlich... (full context)

...late. Consul Buddenbrook kisses his mother-in-law’s hand as Johann Buddenbrook cheerily greets the Kröger patriarch, Lebrecht Kröger , a large and respectable man who has powdered hair and wears fashionable clothing. Lebrecht’s... (full context)

...to the party. Antoinette takes her seat at the dinner table between Pastor Wunderlich and Lebrecht Kröger and implores her guests to dig in, and all trace of worry leaves her face. (full context)

Tradition, Modernity, and Change Theme Icon

Lebrecht Kröger suggests they talk about something happier. Pastor Wunderlich lifts a “heavy silver spoon” from the... (full context)

Tony rides in Lebrecht Kröger ’s carriage to Travemünde. Tom accompanies her. Tony is overjoyed to get away—it means she... (full context)

...focus, though, so they instead sit around waiting—and worrying. Consul Buddenbrook sits near his father-in-law, Lebrecht Kröger , who is visibly scared and upset. Kröger wonders whether the “mob” is messing with... (full context)

...tells everyone to go home, and this time they oblige. Buddenbrook commands Smolt to fetch Lebrecht Kröger ’s carriage. (full context)

...and reaches the lantern-lined path to the terrace, Buddenbrook is horrified at what he sees: Lebrecht Kröger ’s “yellow, ragged, deeply furrowed” face—the face of an old and sickly man. Buddenbrook runs... (full context)