The novella "Gradiva" centers on a young archaeologist named Norbert Hanold. Hanold becomes obsessed with an ancient bas-relief of a woman he names "Gradiva" because of her unique walking posture. This obsession leads him to Italy, where he believes he will find the living embodiment of Gradiva.In Italy, Hanold encounters a woman named Zoë Bertgang, who closely resembles Gradiva. Through a series of events, Hanold’s obsession and dreams are explored, and he eventually realizes that Zoë is a childhood friend whom he had repressed in his memories. The story ends with Hanold's psychological awakening and his realization of his feelings for Zoë.