While studying in Frankfurt an der Oder, Heinrich von Kleist fell in love with Wilhelmine von Zenge, a general’s daughter, and asked for her hand in marriage. After initial hesitation, she accepted, and in early summer 1800 the two became engaged. Certain conditions were attached to the marriage, though, as Zenge’s parents demanded that Kleist show proof of a permanent position before they would allow him to marry her. He broke off his studies and began working in the Prussian Economics Ministry, but soon suffered a personal crisis. He travelled to Paris and from there to Switzerland, where he intended to live a simple life in the country. When Wilhelmine von Zenge refused to join him, Kleist broke off contact with her: “Dear girl, write me no more. I have no other wish but to die soon. H.K.”