Searching for a New German Identity - Theresa M Ganter Kartoniert (TB)

This book investigates Heiner Müller's use of the Geschichtsdrama as a tool in his search for post-World War II and post-reunification German identity in Germania Tod in Berlin (1956 1971) and Germania 3 Gespenster am Toten Mann (1996) respectively. By using specific examples organized into relevant categories the author demonstrates not only how these historical allegorical and political persons and events have affected the course of German history in Müller's opinion but also how he believes they have influenced German identity of the past and present and may affect its future. In her a nalyses of these two dramas the author explores the many historical political and allegorical characters as well as the abundant intertextual references by locating their original sources in order to explain their significance as each relates to Müller's perception of German identity at various points in time. The research focuses on Müller's use of the literary techniques of intertextuality collage metaphors allegorical figures political songs ballads and fairy tales. The methodological approach is eclectic: a mixture of New Criticism New Historicism and Rezeptionsästhetik.