Since the beginning of his literary work, Arthur Schnitzler has always had an ambivalent relationship with America. His prose sketch, which was first published in 1889, can be interpreted symbolically and literally. The place of longing in his youth not only stands for unfulfilled love or escape and rebellion, but also a lifelong engagement with distinctive characteristics between European and American culture. An interview Schnitzler once gave to George Sylvester Viereck in 1927 makes this abundantly clear. When asked if he would like to visit America Schnitzler replied: "I would like to see America. But I don't want America to see me.".