"Beware of Pity" is a novel by Stefan Zweig that explores the complex dynamics of pity and compassion through the story of a young Austrian aristocrat, Anton Hofmiller. When he is invited to a local estate, he meets a young woman named Edith, who is paralyzed from the waist down. Hofmiller is drawn to her, both out of genuine sympathy and a feeling of obligation, depicting the struggle between his compassion and the societal expectations of pity.
The narrative delves into Hofmiller's internal conflict as he navigates his growing affection for Edith. His early attempts at kindness lead to unintended consequences, highlighting the nuances of human emotions and the morality of pity. The interactions among the characters reveal how compassion can sometimes lead to feelings of guilt and entrapment rather than solace.