2 research outputs found
Peter Altenberg: a neglected writer of the Viennese Jahrhundertwende
Get PDFThis thesis presents a revaluation of the works of
Peter Altenberg, a neglected writer of the Viennese
Jahrhundertwende. Although largely ignored by literary
criticism, Altenberg's writing influenced German
Expressionist authors as well as such major figures as
Musil, Rilke and Kafka.The text is divided into six sections. (The confusion
and profusion of topics and ideas in Altenberq's work mean
that my divisions may appear arbitrary at times. However,
they broadly represent the most important aspects of
Altenberg's thought, literary theory and practice.) In
order to reveal the development of Altenberg's thought,
individual topics are usually discussed from a chronological
perspective.In section 1 I present Altenberg in the context of
Vienna 1900 and establish his relationship with Naturalist
writers. Section 2 thematicises Altenberg's image of man¬
kind and, more specifically, his presentation and assessment
of the existential dilemma of the modern urban dweller.
Section 3 comprises a critical analysis of Altenberg's con¬
ception of womankind and his "Frauenkult". Section 4 is
devoted to a detailed examination of Altenberg's sociocultural critique which, I propose, is inspired by that of
Friedrich Nietzsche and Richard Wagner. Section 5 sets out
Altenberg's blueprint for a new society, or alternative
social order, based on his ideals of freedom, nobility and
naturalness. In section 6 I deal with aspects of Altenberg's
literary theory and practice; I discuss the formal elements
in his work as well as the principle of aesthetic
reductionism which he pioneered
