Definitions

Question 1

Genombrott

Answer 1

Genombrott refers to a breakthrough artist or work that introduces new themes, styles, or techniques, and further influences subsequent writers and movements. An example is Chekov who marked a shift away from plot action to conversational action, an innovative idea that continues to influence artists today.

Question 2

Sprachkrise

Answer 2

Sprachkrise (Crisis of Language) refers to a state of existential turmoil or psychological struggle characterized by an individual’s profound frustration or inability to effectively communicate thoughts, emotions, or experiences through language. An example includes Hofmannsthal’s “Lord Chandos Letter” in which Lord Candos feels as though language is not up to the task of communicating the most real experiences in the world.

Question 3

Dinggedicht

Answer 3

Dinggedicht is a type of symbolist lyric poetry containing the goal of revealing the essence of the object, animate or inanimate, being observed. An example would be “Little Aster” which uses the flower as a object that articulates its own inherent essence and emotional resonance

Question 4

Symbolism

Answer 4

Symbolism is an artistic and literary movement that uses symbols and metaphorical imagery to express complex ideas and emotions. Artwork that uses symbolism includes Otto Dix’s Apotheosis. For example, the smoke in the image symbolizes the negative consequences of industrialization and the industry of urbanization

Question 5

Telegrammstil

Answer 5

“Telegrammstil” refers to a writing style characterized by brevity, conciseness, and the omission of unnecessary words or details. An example is Döblins “Berlin Alexanderplatz” which portrays telegraphic sentences that propel the story forward with rapid pace and intensity.

Question 6

Lyric poetry

Answer 6

Lyric poetry is a form of poetry that emphasizes personal emotions, thoughts, and feelings of the poet. It typically conveys these emotions through concise and musical language, often with a focus on rhythm and sound patterns. An example “Kleine Aster” as it delicately explores themes of personal reflection and emotional resonance through its concise and musical language

Question 7

Epic poetry

Answer 7

Epic poetry features grand, heroic narratives, often focusing on legendary or mythological figures and their heroic deeds. These poems are characterized by their extensive length, elevated language, and the portrayal of cultural, moral, or societal values. NEED EXAMPLE

Question 8

Historicism

Answer 8

Historicism is an interpretive approach in literary and cultural studies that emphasizes understanding works of art, literature, or philosophy within the context of their historical period, considering the social, political, and cultural factors that influenced their creation.

Question 9

Nihilism

Answer 9

Nihilism refers to the belief that all values are baseless and there are no essential truths. It can be interpreted as suggesting that Christianity is no longer capable of being the foundational system of values supporting Western civilization. An example of a modernist response to the crisis of nihilism is Munch’s “The Scream” which vividly portrays the existential angst and despair that steems from the absence of inherent meaning and values.

Question 10

Philistine

Answer 10

A Philistine refers to someone who, despite often believing otherwise, shows a lack of appreciation for art, culture, and intellectual pursuits. An example would be Schnitzler’s Lieutenant Gustl in which the main character attends an oprah not because he has an interest in or appreciation for the arts, but rather to maintain social appearances and fulfill societal expectations

Question 11

In media res

Answer 11

In media res refers to a narrative technique where a story begins in the middle of the action, bypassing exposition. An example is Schnitzler’s “Lieutenant Gustl,” where readers are placed straight into the middle of the plot without any backstory.

Question 12

The Id

Question 13

The superego

Question 14

Avant garde