Suchergebnisse

The first volume in English about the German Democratic Republic and its legacy as a cultural phenomenon.

peer-reviewed ; Since the tumultuous events of 1989/1990, writers, film-makers and academics have responded to, reconstructed and reflected upon the process and impact of German reunification. Each milestone anniversary has generated a wave of new publications, thereby demonstrating an ongoing fascination with, and evolving interpretations of, the literary and cultural legacies of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) within a united Germany. In the years which have elapsed since the fall of the Berlin Wall, certain broad narratives of events have been established within general discourse, while access to unpublished materials and personal accounts has increasingly allowed a rich cultural landscape to be explored, both on its own terms and as an important foundation to our deeper understanding of contemporary German society. As early as 1990, Günder de Bruyn had warned against making the type of sweeping statements which risk downplaying the extent of different experiences and thought processes; instead, he pleaded for a nuanced engagement with difference, for open discussion and space for contradictory reactions and emotions. Such calls have all too often been disregarded. Bringing together academic articles and interviews from a wide range of backgrounds and voices, this volume, therefore, seeks to enrich current literary and cultural debates in multiple ways: the different contributions enhance our understanding of artistic responses in different genres, inform our reading and re-reading of literary reconstructions of pre- and post-"Wende" events, and combine in-depth reflection on literary expressions and nuanced critique of, and engagement with, past and present cultural and societal developments. In so doing, the volume demonstrates the diverse ways in which GDR literary and cultural traditions continue to enrich German literature and culture. ; ACCEPTED ; Peer reviewed

Since the tumultuous events of 1989/1990, writers, cultural practitioners and academics have responded to, reconstructed and reflected upon the process and enduring impact of German reunification. This bilingual volume provides a nuanced understanding of the literature and culture of the GDR and its legacy today. It explores a broad range of genres, combines perspectives on both lesser-known and more established writers, and juxtaposes academic articles with the personal reflections of those who directly experienced and engaged with the GDR from within or beyond its borders. Whether creative practitioners or academics, contributors consider the broader literary and intellectual contexts and traditions shaping GDR literature and culture in a way that broadens and enriches our understanding of reunification and its legacy

This book analyzes the changing portrayal of GDR literature in German Gymnasium textbooks 1985-2015. Addressing the need for textbook research to broaden its focus from GDR history to GDR literature, the author presents case studies of well-known GDR authors (Bertolt Brecht, Johannes R. Becher, Anna Seghers, Wolf Biermann, and Christa Wolf), each examining a particular aspect of the societal discourse about GDR literature and the tension between (literary) text and (historical) context. Taken together, the case studies reveal the frequently underestimated power of ideology in literature textbooks. They also show how attempts to package these authors into simplified categories ultimately reveal the profound complexities of the GDR literary legacy. By examining the clear tension between literature and politics in textbooks and curricula, the author demonstrates how ideological messages are transmitted in all textbooks, as well as the importance of attending to overt and covert ideology.

Federal and state curricula not only determine much of what is taught in school, they also reveal what is important to political and cultural leaders and ultimately help shape a country's narrative. This article examines how the GDR currently is addressed in history and literature curricula for the Oberstufe. While state history curricula consistently require coverage of the GDR, literature curricula vary widely, with a few states clearly including GDR literature and many states completely omitting it. If GDR literature is ignored in state curricula, it risks being ignored in the classroom, limiting student understanding of the GDR to historical facts and depriving them of an opportunity to better understand both past and current German society.

German literature has been present in Polish cultural reality for a long time − although with variable popularity − due to the translations that produced Polish versions available for wider audience, including readers unfamiliar with German language. Yet, the article discusses a branch of German literature still absent in Poland – the so-called Post-GDR Literature, written after the fall of the German Democratic Republic and the German reunification. The Post-GDR Literature addresses a variety of issues related to the GDR, idealizes or critically describes its reality often perceived by writers as the reality of their childhood or youth. The author of the article takes into consideration the fact that on Polish book market after 1989 this literature is almost unavailable despite numerous efforts of translators and publishers and their initiatives aimed at popularization of German literature in Poland. Thus, the article subsequently discusses texts ("Was bleibt" by Christa Wolf, "Der Abspannby" Hermann Kant and "Heldenwiewir" by Thomas Brussig) significant enough to deserve unabridged Polish versions. The three writers represent different genres, aesthetics, generations and level of involvement in political activity. Nonetheless, their works all inspired crucial discussions, attitudes or events and are therefore of vital importance for Polish readers willing to fully understand the reality of Eastern Germany and the impact of its legacy on current times. ; Literatura niemieckojęzyczna jest obecna w polskiej rzeczywistości literackiej od dawna z różną intensywnością. Obecność taką stymulują i umożliwiają tłumaczenia tekstów na język polski, bo wówczas dostępne są one szerokiej publiczności, przede wszystkim tej, która nie posługuje się językiem niemieckim. W niniejszym artykule przedstawiona została nieobecność literatury postenerdowdoiskiej, tzn. tej literatury, która powstawała już po upadku NRD i zjednoczeniu Niemiec i charakteryzowała się przede wszystkim skupieniem na sprawach byłej NRD, jej idealizacji czy krytycznej obserwacji aż po nostalgiczne wspomnienia z dzieciństwa i młodości. Autor konstatuje, że po roku 1989 literatura taka jest dość skąpo reprezentowana na polskim rynku wydawniczym, mimo że tłumacze i wydawcy zadbali w ostatnim ćwierćwieczu, by literatura niemieckojęzyczna docierała do polskiego czytelnika. Jednakże opisywany tu nurt literacki jest rzeczywiście mało reprezentatywny w polskiej w przestrzeni wydawniczej. W artykule zostaje podjęta próba wskazania tekstów, które zasługują na to, by w całości być dostępnymi w polskiej wersji językowej. Chodzi tu o autorów takich jak: Christa Wolf, Hermann Kant i Thomas Brussig. Cała trójka reprezentuje różny rodzaj pisarstwa, różne pokolenia, zaangażowanie oraz estetykę. Co jest dla nich wspólne w kontekście nieobecności w polskich przekładach, to fakt, że swoimi książkami (Wolf – "Was bleibt", Kant – "Der Abspann", Brussig – "Helden wie wir") wykreowali pewne wydarzenia, postawy i dyskusje. I dla lepszego i pełniejszego zrozumienia specyfiki dzisiejszych Niemiec Wschodnich przez Polaków poznanie także tych aspektów ma ogromne znaczenie.

Diese Magisterarbeit ist dem bis heute sehr komplexen Geschlechterverhältnis gewidmet. Dieses Verhältnis werde ich analysieren, indem ich das literarische Motiv des Geschlechtertausches ausarbeite. Dabei werde ich seine kulturhistorische Entwicklung berücksichtigen. Das Thema wird interdisziplinär behandelt und zwar mithilfe anthropologischer, psychoanalytischer, literaturwissenschaftlicher sowie ideengeschichtlicher Perspektiven und Methoden – all dies um seine Komplexität zu erfassen. Zunächst wird die menschliche Geschlechtsidentität als ein naturbedingtes Phänomen einerseits und als ein kulturelles Konstrukt andererseits diskutiert. Die Psychoanalyse wird den feministischen Theorien entgegen gestellt, woraufhin sie sich als Versuch der Legitimierung der gesellschaftlichen Ordnung erweist. Die anschließende Analyse der kulturellen Repräsentationsformen des Weiblichen wird es deutlich machen, wie schwer es ist, die über mehrere Jahrhunderte tradierten Weiblichkeitsbilder zu "neutralisieren". Die literarische Grundlage für die Untersuchung der Geschlechterbeziehungen verschaffen die drei "Geschichten über die Umwandlung der Verhältnisse" (1980). In allen Texten vollzieht sich ein Geschlechtswandel: die Protagonistinnen schlüpfen in männliche Körper ein und auf einmal erfahren sie die Welt aus der bisher unbekannten Perspektive. Dabei empfindet jede von denen die neue Situation anders und doch so ähnlich. Anhand von Sarah Kirschs "Blitz aus dem heiterm Himmel", Irmtraud Morgners "Gute Botschaft der Valeska in 73 Strophen" und Christa Wolfs "Selbstversuch. Traktat zu einem Protokoll" werden die regressiven patriarchalischen Strukturen aufgedeckt, in denen der Frau eine minderwertige Positionierung in einer Gesellschaft zugeschrieben wird. Da sich die Beziehungen zwischen Männern und Frauen in den gesellschaftlichen Machtverhältnissen widerspiegeln, werden die Geschichten im Kontext der sozialistischen Wirklichkeit der DDR in den 1970er Jahre analysiert. Aus diesen Untersuchungen ergeben sich klare Erkenntnisse: die Realität des "emanzipierten" DDR-Staates hatte mit dem marxistischen Traum nichts zu tun. Diese in den Erzählungen widerspiegelte historisch-politische Wirklichkeit stellte die propagandistische Gleichberechtigung der Frauen in Frage. Die Sozialpolitik wird als eine der modernen männlichen Legitimationsstrategien für die Erhaltung der patriarchalischen Ordnung entschleiert. Damit die Frau nicht mehr über den Mann definiert wird, müsste eine grundlegende Veränderung der gesellschaftlichen Geschlechtsvorstellungen erfolgen. Alle in dieser Arbeit untersuchten Geschlechtertauschgeschichten beinhalten diverse Utopie-Entwürfe, die jedoch keine perfekte Ordnung darstellen. Ganz im Gegenteil – das sind eher negative Utopien, die fundamentale Kritik an der Ungleichheit der gesellschaftlichen Positionierung der Geschlechter zum Ziel haben. Christa Wolf, Irmtraud Morgner und Sarah Kirsch thematisierten in ihren Erzählungen die Problematik der Geschlechterverhältnisse in der DDR der 1970er Jahre und machten auf die Dringlichkeit des weiblichen Widerstandes aufmerksam. Gleichzeitig soll dieser literarische Diskurs die eigentliche Möglichkeit der Veränderung des gesellschaftlichen Status der Frauen aufzeigen. Daher sind diese imaginierten Geschlechtertauschgeschichten als Manifeste für wahre Gleichstellung der Frauen zu lesen. ; The present master's dissertation focuses on the complex topic of sex and gender relations. The analysis is based on a literary motif of a sex change, taking into account its historical dimension as well as its cultural heritage. In order to capture the complexity of the topic, it will be treated interdisciplinarily. This means that the variety of methods and perspectives will be considered, including anthropological approach, psychoanalysis, literary, historical and ideological theories. To begin with, gender identity will be discussed as a natural phenomenon on the one hand and as a cultural construction on the other hand. The psychoanalysis will be discussed as an attempt of legitimization of societal order and confronted with modern feminist thought. Through the subsequent analysis of the cultural forms of feminine representation it will become obvious how difficult it is to dismantle the predominant images of feminity, which have evolved over many centuries. The three stories published in a volume "Geschlechtertausch" ("Sex Change", 1980) will provide the literary basis for the interrogation of gender roles and relations. There is a sex change motif in every single story: all main female characters miraculously change from a woman to a man and experience the world from a new male perspective. Each protagonist perceives the situation differently and yet so similar. The analysis of "Bolt from the Blue" by Sarah Kirsch, "Gospel of Valeska" by Irmtraud Morgner and "Self-Experiment: Appendix to a Report" by Christa Wolf will reveal the regressive patriarchal structures in which women are usually given an inferior position. The common relations between men and women reflect the distribution of social power between the sexes. Therefore, all three stories shall be re-read in the context of the socialist realism in East Germany (GDR) in 1970s. The conclusions derived from these examinations are clear: the reality in the "emancipated" GDR state had absolutely nothing to do with the Marxist utopian vision. In their stories, all three authors questioned the socialist propaganda of pseudo gender equality. The GDR social policy will be unveiled as one of the modern male legitimization strategies with the sole purpose of preserving the rigid patriarchal order. A redefinition and revision of the traditional understanding of the genders appear necessary, if a woman shall no longer be defined by a man. In addition, the analyzed sex change stories contain diverse utopian visions, which however do not portray a perfect social order. On the contrary, they depict rather negative utopias that aim at revealing and emphasizing the unjustified unequal positioning of both sexes within the society. Christa Wolf, Irmtraud Morgner and Sarah Kirsch have made a successful attempt to explore the problematic nature of gender relations in the GDR in 1970s. This literary discourse represents a radical interrogation of gender roles and relations, but it also shows the possibility and necessity of changing the status of women. Taken together, those three imaginary sex change tales should be read as manifestos for true equality of women.

Pt. 1. Media constructions of 1989 and the elusiveness of the historical GDR -- Visual re-productions of the Wende: the role played by television images in constituting and historicizing political events / Hilde Hoffmann -- Remembering GDR culture in postunification Germany and beyond / Stephen Brockmann -- Pt. 2. Challenges to the dominant discourse of the Wende -- "Das waren wir nicht!": the image of East Germans and the GDR as a narrative problem after 1989 in Klaus Schlesinger's Die Sache mit Randow / Daniel Argeles -- "Der Schrei des Marsyas": the mythic voices of the subaltern in Reinhard Jirgl's MutterVaterRoman / Arne De Winde and Frederik Van Dam -- An early challenge to the construction of cross-border romance in post-1989 film: Andreas Dresen's So schnell es geht nach Istanbul / Rosemary Stott -- Pt. 3. Textual memory -- Mediating immediacy: historicizing the GDR by bringing it back to life in post-millennial works of fiction / Andrea Geier -- "Eine Armee wie jede andere auch"?: writers and filmmakers remember the Nationale Volksarmee / Andrew Plowman -- Matter out of place: trash and transition in Clemens Meyer's Als wir traumten / Gillian Pye -- Pt. 4. Literary generations - Competing perspectives -- Autobiographical writing in three generations of a GDR family: Christa Wolf - Annette Simon - Jana Simon / Wolfgang Emmerich -- Accursed progenitors? extending the generation gap debate to GDR parents / Astrid Kohler -- Parallels and divergences in post-1989 memory discourse: a comparative review of the Slovak experience / Nadezda Zemanikova -- Pt. 5. Afterlives -- Dances of death: a last literature from the GDR / Karen Leeder -- "Die gegenwart war es nicht": Irina Liebmann and the post-Wende uncanny / Catherine Smale -- One iota of difference: remembering GDR literature as socialist literature / Benjamin Robinson