In 1796 the poet Friedrich Holderlin became a private tutor in the house of Gontard. Soon, Holderlin and Gontard's wife Susette begin an affair. But the friend who recommended Holderlin to the position is in love with him, and, jealous, reports the affair to Susette's husband. Thrown out, Holderlin tries to continue the affair. Some of his most famous love poetry was written at this time. But the demands of love, writing, and of his friend's advances are too much for the poet, and he goes insane.