literaturgeschichte flashcards

All 33 cards

1. Card 1

   Define the core idea behind Naturalism and explain how it contrasts with earlier literary movements.

   Naturalism's core idea is an objective, detail-oriented, and scientific representation of reality, encapsulated by the formula 'Kunst=Natur - x'. This means it sought to eliminate all subjectivity and distortion from artistic representation, directly opposing the romanticized or idealized portrayals found in earlier movements by focusing on unvarnished reality.

2. Card 2

   How did the historical context of the late 19th century influence the emergence and characteristics of Naturalism?

   The late 19th century's Industrialization, increasing social inequality, and the rise of scientific thought profoundly influenced Naturalism. These factors led to themes of poor working conditions, disease, and alcoholism, while the scientific advancements fostered a deterministic worldview and the use of detailed, objective language and dialects to reflect reality accurately.

3. Card 3

   Distinguish between the primary focus of Impressionism and Symbolism in terms of their artistic goals.

   Impressionism primarily aimed to reproduce immediate sensory impressions and fleeting moments, often leading to a subjective and unpolitical focus on nature, aesthetics, and love. In contrast, Symbolism sought to represent a hidden reality through the use of symbols and metaphors, employing synesthesia and allusions to explore themes of dreams, death, and the subconscious.

4. Card 4

   Explain the concept of 'Sekundenstil' in Naturalism and its significance for literary representation.

   Sekundenstil, or 'second-style,' in Naturalism refers to a narrative technique where events are described in real-time, matching the duration of the actual occurrence. This technique was significant because it aimed to achieve maximum objectivity and detail, giving readers an almost documentary-like experience of the depicted reality, free from authorial interpretation or summary.

5. Card 5

   What role did the 'Freie Bühne' play in the Naturalist movement, as suggested by the source notes?

   The 'Freie Bühne' (Free Stage) was a significant institution for Naturalism, as indicated by its mention alongside the movement's core ideas. It served as a platform for Naturalist plays, allowing for the performance of works that might have been censored elsewhere due to their controversial themes and realistic portrayal of social issues, thus promoting the movement's principles.

6. Card 6

   How does the concept of 'Determinism' manifest in Naturalist literature?

   Determinism in Naturalist literature suggests that human actions and destinies are largely predetermined by external factors such as heredity, environment (Milieutheorie), and social conditions. This concept manifests through the detailed portrayal of characters from the lower and middle classes whose lives are often depicted as being inescapably shaped by their poor living conditions, social status, and biological predispositions.

7. Card 7

   Define the term 'Synästhesien' and explain its relevance to Symbolist literature.

   Synästhesien refers to the blending or intermingling of different sensory perceptions, such as hearing colors or seeing sounds. In Symbolist literature, this characteristic is highly relevant because it allows authors to evoke deeper, more complex layers of meaning and to hint at a 'hidden reality' by appealing to multiple senses simultaneously, creating a richer, more evocative atmosphere rather than explicit explanations.

8. Card 8

   What distinguishes the language characteristics of Naturalism from those of Impressionism?

   Naturalism is characterized by the use of colloquial language, dialects, and highly detailed descriptions, aiming for an objective and unvarnished portrayal of reality. In contrast, Impressionism employs a more pictorial or evocative language ('bildhafte Sprache') and a subjective style, focusing on conveying fleeting impressions and aesthetic experiences rather than objective detail.

9. Card 9

   Explain the core idea of Dekadenz as a literary current and its relationship to Symbolism.

   The core idea of Dekadenz is the expression of cultural pessimism and a sense of decline, often characterized by irony, provocation, and melancholy. It is described as a counter-current to Symbolism, suggesting that while Symbolism sought deeper meaning through symbols, Dekadenz responded to the perceived decay of culture with a more cynical and resigned perspective on themes of transience and boredom.

10. Card 10

    How did the 'Jahrhundertswende' (turn of the century) influence the diverse literary currents emerging at that time?

    The 'Jahrhundertswende' was marked by significant societal changes like industrialization, modernization, and new scientific/technical discoveries. These shifts created a fertile ground for diverse literary currents, as writers responded to the changing world by either embracing new forms of expression (like Impressionism's focus on subjective impressions) or seeking refuge in alternative realities (like Symbolism and Neuromantik's exploration of hidden truths and fantasy).

11. Card 11

    What is the primary difference in thematic focus between Neuromantik and Jugendstil?

    Neuromantik primarily focuses on themes of feelings, fantasy, dreams, myths, sagas, and fairy tales, representing a flight from reality and a re-embrace of Romantic ideals. Jugendstil, on the other hand, centers on the beauty of life, dream worlds, eroticism, and longing, driven by a search for aesthetic unity between art and life.

12. Card 12

    Define 'Wiener Moderne' and explain its key characteristic regarding societal norms.

    The 'Wiener Moderne' refers to a literary and cultural movement in Vienna around the turn of the century, characterized by 'Kaffeehausliteratur.' Its key characteristic regarding societal norms was a deliberate break with traditions and a critical engagement with the double standards ('Doppelmoral') of bourgeois society, often exploring themes of identity crises, sexuality, and decay.

13. Card 13

    How does Expressionism differentiate itself from Impressionism, particularly concerning its historical background and artistic approach?

    Expressionism emerged as a counter-movement to Impressionism, driven by the historical context of industrialization, World War I, and societal upheaval. While Impressionism focused on subjective impressions of reality, Expressionism adopted a more radical subjective approach, using neologisms and disregarding grammar to express inner turmoil, critique society, and depict themes like war and the metropolis, often distorting reality to convey emotional truth.

14. Card 14

    What was the main purpose of the 'Neue Club' in Berlin during the Expressionist era?

    The 'Neue Club' in Berlin served as a crucial gathering point for students and artists during the Expressionist era. Its main purpose was to foster artistic exchange and experimentation, leading to events like the 'Neopathetische Cabaret' and the publication of the influential magazine 'Der Sturm,' thereby promoting and disseminating Expressionist ideas and works.

15. Card 15

    Explain the fundamental idea behind Dadaism and how it was a reaction to its historical context.

    The fundamental idea behind Dadaism was a protest against the perceived senselessness and brutality of World War I, viewing humanity as powerless in the face of such destruction. It reacted to this historical context by rejecting logic and meaning, employing irony and provocation to criticize society, war, and politics, embracing absurdity and irrationality as a form of artistic and political rebellion.

16. Card 16

    What distinguished the language and themes of 'Neue Sachlichkeit' from earlier movements like Expressionism?

    'Neue Sachlichkeit' (New Objectivity) distinguished itself with a detached, sober language that conveyed a message without emotion, focusing on everyday life, urban experiences, social problems, and the commodification of humans. This contrasted sharply with Expressionism's highly subjective, emotionally charged language and its focus on inner turmoil and societal critique through distortion.

17. Card 17

    How did the historical context of the Weimar Republic influence the characteristics of 'Neue Sachlichkeit'?

    The historical context of the Weimar Republic, marked by widespread suffering (hunger, poverty, unemployment), economic strain, and political instability, profoundly influenced 'Neue Sachlichkeit.' This led to a literature characterized by a sober, distanced language and a focus on realistic portrayals of daily life, social issues, and the hardships faced by ordinary people, often through reportage and documentary styles.

18. Card 18

    Define 'Verfremdungseffekt' as employed by Bertolt Brecht in the context of 'episches Theater' and 'Neue Sachlichkeit'.

    The 'Verfremdungseffekt' (alienation effect), as used by Bertolt Brecht in 'episches Theater,' aimed to prevent the audience from emotionally identifying with the characters or plot. In the context of 'Neue Sachlichkeit,' this effect served to encourage critical reflection on social conditions and political issues, aligning with the movement's objective and analytical approach to reality rather than emotional immersion.

19. Card 19

    What were the main characteristics of literature during the National Socialist (NS) era, particularly concerning its language and themes?

    Literature during the NS era was characterized by an uncomplicated and memorable language, often featuring 'heroic' figures and pathos, and a folksy tone. Its themes revolved around antisemitism, the Führer cult, racism, the Aryan ideal, and the creation of enemy images, primarily through war novels, 'völkische Dichtung' (blood and soil ideology), and propaganda.

20. Card 20

    Distinguish between 'Exilliteratur' and 'Innere Emigration' during the NS period regarding the authors' physical location and their form of resistance.

    'Exilliteratur' involved authors who fled Germany due to political persecution and censorship, actively criticizing the NS regime from abroad with clear, direct language and irony. 'Innere Emigration,' on the other hand, referred to authors who remained in Germany but inwardly distanced themselves from the regime, expressing criticism through allegories, nature imagery, and symbols due to strict censorship.

21. Card 21

    What impact did the 'Bücherverbrennung' (book burning) of 1933 have on German literature and authors?

    The 'Bücherverbrennung' of 1933 had a devastating impact on German literature and authors, symbolizing the NS regime's extreme censorship and suppression of dissenting voices. It led to many authors fleeing into exile, while those who remained often resorted to 'Schubladenliteratur' (writing for the drawer), where works were written but could not be published, effectively stifling free artistic expression.

22. Card 22

    How did the historical context of post-WWII Germany influence the emergence and characteristics of 'Trümmerliteratur'?

    The historical context of post-WWII Germany, with its cities in ruins, millions dead, and the country's division, profoundly influenced 'Trümmerliteratur' (rubble literature). This led to a literature characterized by simple, unembellished language, a rejection of NS propaganda, and a focus on everyday life, the question of guilt, disorientation, and the search for meaning, often in short story forms inspired by American models.

23. Card 23

    What was the significance of 'Gruppe 47' for German literature in the post-war period?

    'Gruppe 47' was highly significant for German literature in the post-war period as a platform for critical exchange among writers, critics, and publishers. It fostered discussions about politics, society, and literature, contributing to the re-orientation of German letters after the NS era and promoting new literary voices and forms, particularly those associated with 'Trümmerliteratur' and the subsequent decades.

24. Card 24

    Explain the shift in literary focus and characteristics from the 1950s to the 1960s in West Germany (BRD).

    In the 1950s, BRD literature, influenced by the aftermath of WWII and the Cold War, featured unadorned language and indirect forms like parables to address destruction, reconstruction, and war trauma, often attempting to process the NS era. The 1960s saw a shift towards politicization, with younger generations becoming more active. Literature became experimental, provocative, ironic, and rebellious, focusing on processing the NS era, social critique, guilt, equality, and freedom, often through agitprop literature and political theater.

25. Card 25

    How did the political and social climate of the 1960s influence the themes and forms of literature in West Germany?

    The political and social climate of the 1960s, marked by increasing politicization, the beginnings of feminism, and ongoing Cold War tensions, profoundly influenced West German literature. This led to themes of processing the NS era, intense social critique, the question of guilt, and the pursuit of equality and freedom. Literary forms became more experimental, provocative, and activist, embracing agitprop literature, political theater, documentary theater, and reportages.

26. Card 26

    Define 'Innere Emigration' during the NS era, and explain its key characteristics.

    Innere Emigration refers to authors who remained in Germany during the Nazi regime, outwardly conforming but inwardly maintaining a critical distance. Their works often expressed critique through allegories, nature imagery, and subtle allusions, as direct criticism was suppressed by strict censorship and book burnings.

27. Card 27

    How does the concept of 'Kafkaesk' manifest in Franz Kafka's works, particularly 'Die Verwandlung'?

    The term 'Kafkaesk' describes situations characterized by absurdity, powerlessness, alienation, psychological burden, and overwhelming bureaucracy. In 'Die Verwandlung', Gregor Samsa's inexplicable transformation into an insect and his subsequent isolation and dehumanization by his family perfectly illustrate the themes of absurdity, powerlessness, and alienation central to the 'Kafkaesk' experience.

28. Card 28

    Distinguish between the literature of exile and the literature of 'Innere Emigration' in terms of themes and language.

    Literature of exile, written by intellectuals who fled Germany, focused on themes of flight, displacement, and direct criticism of the NS regime, using clear and direct language often infused with irony and scorn. In contrast, 'Innere Emigration' literature, produced by those who remained, addressed themes of morality, responsibility, and tradition, employing allegories, symbols, and subtle allusions to convey critique due to censorship.

29. Card 29

    Explain the significance of Max Brod's decision regarding Franz Kafka's unpublished works after Kafka's death.

    Kafka had instructed Max Brod to burn all his unpublished works after his death. Brod, however, defied this wish out of moral duty and strong literary and personal conviction. His decision preserved Kafka's extensive body of work, allowing it to become a 'rescued' cultural heritage and enabling its profound impact and various interpretations in literary history.

30. Card 30

    How did the historical context of the Nachkriegszeit (post-war period) influence the characteristics of Trümmerliteratur?

    The Nachkriegszeit, marked by Germany in ruins, millions of deaths, and eventual division, profoundly shaped Trümmerliteratur. This literature featured a simple, unembellished language, a clear rejection of NS propaganda, and a preference for short forms like the short story, often inspired by American models, to depict everyday life, the question of guilt, disorientation, and the search for meaning.

31. Card 31

    Analyze the ironic antithesis present in Franz Kafka's parable 'Heimkehr' compared to 'Das Gleichnis vom Verlorenen Sohn'.

    Kafka's 'Heimkehr' presents an ironic antithesis to 'Das Gleichnis vom Verlorenen Sohn'. While the biblical parable depicts a joyful reunion, forgiveness, and unconditional acceptance upon the son's return, 'Heimkehr' portrays the lyrical self feeling increasingly alienated and hesitant upon returning to his father's farm, highlighting a sense of estrangement rather than belonging, contrary to the expectation of homecoming.

32. Card 32

    What were the main characteristics of literature in the 1960s in Germany, and what themes did it address?

    Literature in the 1960s was characterized by experimental, provocative, ironic, and rebellious/activist styles, reflecting a period of politicization and the beginnings of feminism. Key themes included the reappraisal of the NS era, social critique, the question of guilt, and the pursuit of equality and freedom, often expressed through Agitprop literature, political theater, documentary theater, and radio plays.

33. Card 33

    How does 'Eine Mutter zieht Bilanz' by Erich Kästner reflect characteristics of 'Neue Sachlichkeit' and Kästner's personal life?

    'Eine Mutter zieht Bilanz' exemplifies 'Neue Sachlichkeit' through its factual, sober language and the ironic use of 'Bilanz' as a business term to describe an emotional relationship. The poem, where a mother reflects on her ambivalent relationship with her son, is often interpreted autobiographically, mirroring Erich Kästner's own close, yet sometimes burdensome, relationship with his mother, highlighting emotional distance within a seemingly objective account.

More flashcard decks

• Thermochemistry and Thermodynamics flashcards (149 cards)
• Género Bacillus y Clostridium flashcards (100 cards)
• Ψηφιακά Παιχνίδια και Μάθηση flashcards (100 cards)
• Philosophy AS flashcards (100 cards)
• Nervous system flashcards (100 cards)
• ECG, IGEL and Iv flashcards (100 cards)

Browse every shared deck