Proslava mature: Povijest jedne mladenačke krivnje

The plot follows Dr. Ernst Sebastian, a judge in a small Austrian town, who is confronted by the defendant Franz Adler, suspected of the murder of a prostitute. Sebastian recognizes Adler as his former schoolmate, which prompts him to embark on an introspective journey through his own past.

After meeting Adler and attending the 25th anniversary celebration of his high school graduation, Sebastian spends a sleepless night writing a confession about the events of his youth. As a teenager, he was forced to leave a prestigious school in Vienna and continue his education in the provinces, where he tried to gain acceptance among his new classmates. In the process, he manipulated and exploited other students, including Adler, whom he tricked into forging a document. When the truth came to light, Sebastian helped Adler escape, hiding his own role in the incident.

The novel deals with deep moral dilemmas, exploring how past sins and injustices can shape a person's conscience and identity. Werfel uses an introspective storytelling style to portray the main character's inner struggle, raising questions about responsibility, redemption, and the possibility of forgiveness.

The Graduation Party remains a significant work that offers insight into the human psyche and the complexity of interpersonal relationships, encouraging the reader to reflect on their own actions and their consequences.