Mayor Oeverdieck Character Analysis in Buddenbrooks

Mayor Oeverdieck is the mayor of Lübeck at the beginning of the novel. He’s also a family friend of the Buddenbrooks, and Hanno’s godfather. Despite Mayor Oeverdieck’s close ties to the Buddenbrook family, Thomas is critical of Mayor Oeverdieck’s antiquated ways and thinks someone ought to fuel more energy into propelling Lübeck into the future.

Mayor Oeverdieck Character Timeline in Buddenbrooks

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

...of Krögers arrive, as well as the Consul Justus Kröger’s sons, Jakob and Jürgen. Mayor Oeverdieck and his wife arrive next. The Krögers—the parents of the Bethsy Buddenbrook—arrive next, and slightly... (full context)

Tradition, Modernity, and Change Theme Icon

Thomas grumbles about Mayor Oeverdieck, who has started to drag his feet in his old age. Things are changing, and... (full context)

...outside—sailors, servant girls, shopkeepers, and merchants—all awaiting news of the results. Some figure that Mayor Oeverdieck’s position as godfather to Thomas Buddenbrook’s son (Hanno) will give Buddenbrook the edge. But it’s... (full context)

Personal Fulfillment and Self-Knowledge Theme Icon

...but he feels so tired. People tell him how important he is around town. Mayor Oeverdieck has died, and his replacement, Dr. Langhals, considers Thomas his “right-hand man.” But the Buddenbrook... (full context)