Walter Abish, born on December 24, 1931, emigrated from Vienna shortly after Austria was annexed to Hitler Germany in March 1938. Later in life, developed a deep interest in authors of experimental literature. Drawn to the functions of semiotic systems, he followed strategies of narrative openness and verbal defamiliarization in his own writing. His innovative literary work made him a leading representative of American postmodernist writing.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Early Life and Escape from Austria
- Life in Shanghai and Israel
- Literary Career and Postmodernism
- How German Is It and its Reception
- Later Works and Autobiographical Reflections
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This preview aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the life and literary works of Walter Abish, focusing on his experiences as an Austrian Jewish emigrant and his significant contributions to American postmodernist literature. The preview will avoid spoilers, focusing on thematic analysis rather than plot details.
- The impact of displacement and cultural displacement on identity and writing.
- The exploration of language as a tool of both creation and deconstruction.
- Abish's experimentation with form and narrative structure in postmodern literature.
- The exploration of memory, history, and identity.
- The examination of the Holocaust and its lingering effects.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
Early Life and Escape from Austria: This section details Abish's childhood in Vienna, providing context for his later works. It describes his assimilation into Viennese society before the rise of Nazism, focusing on the abrupt shift from a carefree childhood to the terrifying experience of anti-Semitic persecution culminating in the family’s desperate flight from Austria. This early trauma and the experience of displacement is deeply influential on the themes found in his works, such as the disruption of familiar societal and linguistic norms.
Life in Shanghai and Israel: This chapter traces Abish's experiences in Shanghai during World War II, highlighting the cultural and linguistic challenges of living as a refugee in a foreign land. The experience of being "Le Boche" in France and the temporary imprisonment of his father underscore the recurring themes of otherness and alienation present throughout his life and writing. The eventual move to Israel and his experiences there introduce the transition to adulthood and a new chapter in his life, laying the groundwork for his move to America.
Literary Career and Postmodernism: This section analyzes Abish's development as a writer, emphasizing the influence of American postmodernism on his style and themes. The discussion of his early works, his experimental novel Alphabetical Africa, and its unique structural design showcases his innovative use of language and structure to explore the relationship between language and mental images. The chapter highlights the innovative and experimental nature of his early work and foreshadows his future style.
How German Is It and its Reception: This summary focuses on Abish's novel How German Is It, exploring its exploration of post-war Germany and the collective repression surrounding the Holocaust. The discussion of the novel's unsettling portrayal of a town built upon a former concentration camp provides a glimpse into his exploration of the difficult task of confronting historical trauma and the lasting consequences of the Nazi regime. The chapter emphasizes the critical reception of the work and the subsequent accolades received by Abish.
Later Works and Autobiographical Reflections: This section discusses Abish's later works, including 99: The New Meaning and Eclipse Fever, showcasing the continued evolution of his literary style. The analysis of Double Vision as a critical self-portrait provides insight into the author's life and creative process. The exploration of themes such as memory, identity, and the complexities of self-perception concludes this overview of his literary career.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
Postmodernism, experimental literature, verbal defamiliarization, displacement, identity, memory, Holocaust, language, narrative structure, Austria, Shanghai, Israel, America, cultural difference, metafiction.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Preview of Walter Abish's Life and Works
What is this preview about?
This preview offers a comprehensive overview of the life and literary works of Walter Abish, a significant figure in American postmodernist literature. It focuses on his experiences as an Austrian Jewish emigrant and how these experiences shaped his writing. The preview analyzes key themes and provides chapter summaries without revealing plot details.
What are the key themes explored in Abish's works and this preview?
The preview highlights several recurring themes in Abish's writing, including the impact of displacement and cultural displacement on identity and writing; the exploration of language as a tool of creation and deconstruction; Abish's experimentation with form and narrative structure; the exploration of memory, history, and identity; and the examination of the Holocaust and its lasting effects.
What aspects of Abish's life are covered in the preview?
The preview covers key periods in Abish's life, starting with his early life and escape from Austria during the rise of Nazism, his experiences as a refugee in Shanghai and Israel during World War II, and his eventual immigration to the United States and the development of his literary career. It also touches upon his experiences with antisemitism and the constant theme of alienation and otherness which shaped his identity and work.
What are the main chapters discussed, and what do they cover?
The preview summarizes five key chapters: "Early Life and Escape from Austria" (details Abish's childhood and the family's escape); "Life in Shanghai and Israel" (describes his experiences as a refugee in these countries); "Literary Career and Postmodernism" (analyzes Abish's development as a writer and the influence of postmodernism); "How German Is It and its Reception" (focuses on this specific novel and its critical reception); and "Later Works and Autobiographical Reflections" (discusses his later works and their exploration of themes such as memory and identity).
What is the significance of Abish's novel, How German Is It?
The preview highlights How German Is It as a significant work exploring post-war Germany and the collective repression surrounding the Holocaust. The novel's unsettling portrayal of a town built on a former concentration camp exemplifies Abish's exploration of confronting historical trauma and its consequences. Its critical reception and accolades are also mentioned.
What are some key words associated with Abish's work and this preview?
Key words include: Postmodernism, experimental literature, verbal defamiliarization, displacement, identity, memory, Holocaust, language, narrative structure, Austria, Shanghai, Israel, America, cultural difference, and metafiction.
What is the overall objective of this preview?
The preview aims to provide a comprehensive yet spoiler-free overview of Abish's life and literary contributions, focusing on thematic analysis rather than plot details. It seeks to provide a structured and professional understanding of his work for academic use.
- Citation du texte
- Bernhard Wenzl (Auteur), 2022, Verbal defamiliarizationist Walter Abish, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1341539
