April Summary and Analysis

Here begins Johannes's diary. Johannes discusses his thoughts at seeing Cordelia step out of a carriage, which he notes is a 'decisive step.' It is important not to leap but to be careful to preserve one's self so that accident should be avoided. It is clear here as it will be for most of the diary that Johannes is stalking Cordelia, watching her from afar. He continues to worry that Cordelia's dress will catch. He observes the light shining in her eyes, her blush and her bosom. He then continues to describe her, with remarks like "Her countenance is like a fruit" and "Her head is a Madonna head." This goes on at some length.

Johannes watches her as she goes into a story and speaks with the clerk; he watches her cheerful conversational skill. He notices that she is...