'…POLTERN UND WÜRGEN UND DROHEN UND WÜTEN…': THE AESTHETIC PROJECT OF JOHANNES R. BECHER (1891–1958). (April 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Davies, Peter
• Is Part Of: Oxford German studies. Volume 42:Number 1(2013)
• Page Start: 77
• Page End: 95
• Publication Date: 2013-04
• Subjects: Johannes R. Becher -- Futurism -- image of the 'Dichter' -- tradition -- reception; German literature -- History and criticism -- Periodicals; German philology -- Periodicals; 830.9
• DOI: 10.1179/0078719113Z.00000000027
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0078-7191

Abstract

Abstract : This article examines aspects of the avant-garde poetic practice of Johannes R. Becher up to the end of the First World War. Taking issue with critical approaches that either read Becher's work with hindsight from the perspective of his later engagement with Stalinism or that interpret it in reductive biographical terms, this essay instead acknowledges the variety and originality of Becher's poetic project. It explores aspects of Becher's self-presentation as 'Dichter' in this period, as well as his radical demolition and reconstruction of the humanist tradition.