NDL 2
NDL 2
"Entautomatisierung der Wahrnehmung," or "defamiliarization of perception," refers to the artistic process of presenting familiar things in an unfamiliar or strange way to enhance perception. This concept applies to contemporary poetry, which often aims to disrupt common linguistic conventions and expectations by employing complex language and artistic innovation, much like the aims of "Konkrete Poesie" discussed in the document , where rhythm and visual elements deviate from traditional forms to deepen engagement with the text .
The document discusses how perspectives on valuable literature are historically and culturally contingent. Traditional criteria often favored canonical authors like Goethe, Schiller, and Lessing due to their perceived cultural and aesthetic value. However, this valuation has evolved to include varied genres and media, reflecting broader cultural narratives. The inclusion of popular and entertainment literature, like Kristina Bach's works, into literary studies showcases ongoing shifts towards a more inclusive appreciation of diverse narrative forms .
During the Baroque period, Martin Opitz’s normative poetics were instrumental in setting formal standards for German literature, which sought to elevate German works to the level of Latin and French literature. His rules dictated structural and thematic qualities, such as the "Ständeklausel," which restricted main characters in tragedies to high-ranking individuals. This imposed formality both guided and limited creative expression, showcasing literature as a dynamic reflection of its societal norms .
National identity significantly influences the boundaries of 'deutschsprachige Literatur,' encompassing works from German-speaking countries as well as diaspora writers. It highlights the historical fluidity and geopolitical variations, as seen with Austrian authors during the Habsburg era who shared a linguistic bond with Germany but experienced distinct historical realities. The narrative of national identity intertwines with literary contributions from diverse backgrounds, demonstrating how literature can reflect and extend beyond national borders .
The invention of the printing press by Gutenberg in the 1450s revolutionized the dissemination of literature, comparable in impact to the digital revolution today. It marked a shift in how literature was produced and consumed, facilitating wider access to texts and contributing to significant cultural and linguistic developments, such as Luther's Bible translation, which played a crucial role in shaping the modern German language .
Poetical language distinguishes literary texts from factual literature through its emphasis on artistic expression and complexity beyond everyday language. Literature employs devices like metaphors and dense narrative structures to evoke imagination, creativity, and emotional depth, challenging readers to engage with the world experientially, as opposed to factual literature that conveys information directly and literally .
The classification issue highlights the inclusivity and complexity within "Neue Deutsche Literatur," acknowledging works from various German-speaking countries like Austria and Switzerland, as well as from German-speaking minorities. Despite Germany's political and historical significance, authors like Arthur Schnitzler and Rainer Maria Rilke from Austria, or Swiss authors writing in multiple languages, contribute to the rich tapestry of "deutschsprachige Literatur" . Moreover, authors from diverse backgrounds, such as those with Slavic roots like Peter Handke, further demonstrate the intersectionality and fluid borders within this literary classification .
Lessing's 'Emilia Galotti' marked a pivotal shift in German literary tradition by challenging the 'Ständeklausel'—a rule that confined high-born individuals to the protagonist roles in tragedies. By elevating a bourgeois character to the main role, Lessing demonstrated the capacity for literature to reflect and instigate social change, paving the way for more inclusive narratives that broke from rigid conventions of class hierarchy in literature .
"Konkrete Poesie" challenges traditional literature by redefining linguistic constructs and focusing on visual and auditory stimuli over textual coherence. Works like Ernst Jandl's emphasize sound, form, and reader interaction over conventional narratives, mirroring avant-garde movements such as Dada. This approach questions and expands the definition of literature by encouraging interpretation beyond mere verbal semantics to include experiential and emotional responses .
The literary canon has been historically exclusive due to various literature-external and -internal factors. Exclusion often stemmed from societal biases, such as gender (female authors historically overlooked) and political ideologies (e.g., communist writers), along with normative poetics that marginalized nonconforming works. Conversely, adherence to aesthetic norms, societal relevance, and the shifting dynamics of literary criticism influence inclusion, as demonstrated by the eventual recognition of authors like Georg Büchner .