Disco fever, floral patterns, flared trousers and leather fringes: these are all phenomena that the 70s shape. But this decade not only left behind the hippie style and skin-tight sequined costumes, it is also influenced by one emotional Literature that still plays a role today: the New Subjectivity.
the New subjectivity is not own literary epoch, but rather one flow the 1970s. It acted as a counter-movement to the systemic and socially critical literature of the 1960s. She is also called New inwardness or New sensitivity designated. The absence is characteristic more political Aspects that are replaced by the perception of one’s own everyday problems and worries.
The historical background of the new subjectivity
In the 1970s there was a kind of political rule resignation in society. As early as the 1960s, young people in particular were dissatisfied with the provisions of politics. But while they are still in their 60s about demonstrations and protests were heard, they mostly remained silent in the 1970s. she added to a large extent to the circumstances instead of tackling them.
That economic miracle the 50s was increasingly replaced by unemployment and rising inflation. In the course of the coal crisis, the collieries were shut down in many places, the so-called colliery death started. In August 1961 left Walter Ulbricht, one of the most powerful politicians in the German Democratic Republic (GDR). Berlin wall build and thus destroyed the hope of the population for one reunion of Germany.
as economic miracle is what experts describe the upswing, i.e. the growth, of the economy in the Federal Republic of Germany in the 1950s. The Second World War had severely affected Germany. Nevertheless, the real production of the industry picked up 1963 around whole 185 percent to.
It became increasingly cheap oil, Brown coal or nuclear power energy heated or electricity generated, correspondingly the demand for German coal. Versus 1957 exceeded the proportion of hard coal produced in the halls of mine the demand many times over. The collieries were no longer used as mining sites and were therefore closed. For many Germans in the Ruhr area, this meant the loss of the workplace.
In the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), dissatisfaction with the grand coalition from CDU and SPD. Together, the two German parties reached such proportions that Parliament barely had room for one oppositioni.e. a political counter-movement.
In terms of political upheaval, the Socialist German Student Union (SDS) developed into a revolutionary one student movementthat in the 60s regularly caused unrest as part of the extra-parliamentary opposition. the requirements were:
- more equal rights of man and woman
- better living conditions and educational opportunities
- denazification at colleges and universities
- End of the war in Vietnam
- atomic arms stop
Of the SDS was already 1947 was founded and has grown in popularity over the years. 1968 the government decreed the so-called emergency laws. As a reaction, the protests increased and in some cases had to be crushed with violence.
the emergency laws designate changes to the Basic Law that may only be made in exceptional situations. For example, in the event of war, command of the Wehrmacht will be handed over to the current government or regent and democratic regulations will be left out.
In the 70s the student movement quarreled and the former members joined other groups. Some of them followed the left-wing parties KPD/ML and DKPwhile others formed into the left-wing extremist terrorist organization Red Army Fraction (RAF), which spread fear among the citizens. Another part came together again and later appeared in the «Alliance 90 / The Greens» back on the scene.
For more emancipation ensured the introduction of birth control pills. Loud discussions about abortion followed and changed that role model the woman significantly.
Characteristics of the New Subjectivity
In the 1970s, authors distanced themselves from political events. While previously there was a belief that literature could change society and the system, it was now more so self-referential Aspects that moved writers to write.
Texts of the New Subjectivity therefore often had autobiographical Trains and themed, for example identity findingindividuality, self-disclosure and reflection. Less value was placed on form and language. It was important emotional Thought, the intellect and the authenticityi.e. the authenticity of the described self.
The style of writing in the New Subjectivity was accordingly direct and easy to understand. In order to depict private everyday worries and subjective feelings, the authors often used the everyday language. In this way, they made sure that everyone could understand their thoughts.
Literature of the New Subjectivity
In the New Subjectivity, the authors used more lyrical and epic Shapes to convey their personal messages. Even if the lyrics no longer dealt with politics, the hope prevailed sensitive Written works to bring about small changes in society.
For the first time, a literature clearly shaped by women developed, the traditional one gender roles questioned and one equal opportunity demanded for the female population. Leading authors of these emancipation movement were for example:
- Elfriede Jelinek
- Gabriele Wohman
- Karen Kiwus
- Ursula Krechel
- Ingeborg Bachmann
That drama «Erika» by Ursula Krechel (1973), for example, tells of the life of a young secretary who leaves her husband, becomes pregnant by another man and leaves again, only to then return to her first husband. The play shows how little women know about their dependency and that, despite all attempts at emancipation, they are forced into a specific society role model be forced. It is interesting that no man is scheduled to be on the stage during the entire play.
The term «Emancipation» comes from Latin and means something like «release of the son from the father’s power». Basically, emancipation describes the detachment from societal, social and political patterns. The aim is therefore to gain freedom, equality and self-determination.
The concept of emancipation is not only related to women, but nowadays it is mostly used in a feminist sense.
The Epic in the New Subjectivity
As a carrier autobiographical The novel was particularly suitable for texts, which is why the epic in the New Subjectivity was very popular. Exemplary epic works of the New Subjectivity are the 1973 published novels «Lenz» and » Klassenliebe» by Peter Schneider and Karin Struck.
Both works have an autobiographical background and report on the challenges of their time as well as the difficult ones social relationships. Also the circumstances of growing up and being an adult in a society that intellect suppressed are discussed.
Would you like to learn more about the genre of epic? Then click into the explanation «Epic»!
Poetry in the New Subjectivity
the lyric of the New Subjectivity is also called «everyday poetry«. She seldom made use of linguistic imagery and rhetorical devices. Instead, the poems of the New Subjectivity had a narrative, or even one prosaic style.
A prosaic style means sober and factual language.
Poets did not use a specific meter or rhyme scheme. They addressed everyday worries and problems, joy, happiness and sadness. That lyrical I is particularly emphasized. This is an example of the poetry of the New Subjectivity 1978 published poem «Das Bürofenster» by Roman Ritter. The poem describes the view from an ordinary office window in simple, understandable language. Gentle criticism of the swings work ethic and also a light one melancholy With:
I turn around at the desk
and look through the window
a few chestnut branches,
a piece of lawn with bushes
and the trunk of a linden tree.
I go to the window
and see the linden tree outside
the branches moved slightly by the wind,
the lawn so green
that you almost have to laugh
and the great chestnut, through its leaves
you can see the sun.
There’s a bush blooming over there.
I open the window and lean out
feel the warmth and smell the lilacs.
on this lawn
who is certainly soft as a fur,
could you lie down in the sun
read,
cuddle,
do nothing,
meal,
Play soccer.
The boss doesn’t like to see
when you stand at the window and look out.
I go back to my desk.
When the caretaker trims the hedge
can be seen from the fallen branches
put a few in the vase
which is on the office cupboard.
If you want to know more about meter or rhyme scheme, check out the meter and rhyme scheme explanations on !
Drama in the New Subjectivity
the drama played a rather subordinate role in the New Subjectivity. Nevertheless, there were also some well-known playwrights during this period. One of them is Botho Strausswho is particularly famous for his «trilogy of reunion» 1977 attracted attention.
The play tells about the encounter different people and social groups on a art exhibition. The visitors not only look at the paintings, but above all at themselves. They recognize themselves in the To wish, the problems and fate of each other and also become painfully aware of their own unhappy life. The motive of self-discovery and identity, which is characteristic of the New Subjectivity, plays a major role here.
Authors of the New Subjectivity
Through the New Subjectivity, some previously unknown authors gained attention, while others were already in the public eye and joined the movement. Among the most famous authors of the New Subjectivity include:
- Ingeborg Bachman (1926-1973)
- Christa Wolf (1929-2011)
- Ulla Hahn (*1945)
- Nicolas Born (1937–1979)
- Rolf Dieter Brinkmann (1940–1975)
- Peter Handke (*1942)
- Martin Walser (*1927)
- Heinrich Boell (1917–1985)
- Elfriede Jelinek (*1946)
Works of the New Subjectivity
the subjective flow literature only lasted for almost a decade, but some important works were created during this time that are still important today. To the most important works of the New Subjectivity include, for example:
- «Malina» (Ingeborg Bachmann, 1971)
- «Wishless Misfortune» (Peter Handke, 1972)
- «The Lost Honor of Katharina Blum» (Heinrich Böll, 1974)
- «Westward 1&2» (Rolf-Dieter Brinkmann, 1975)
- «The…