The Fortunes of Everyman in Twentieth-Century German Drama: War, Death, Morality

This study examines three twentieth-century German plays, including Everyman, to explore the challenge of living without salvation in an age of war and mass destruction. It highlights the changes in the view of death and the problem of living with existential guilt. By viewing these plays less rigidly and as part of a long dramatic tradition, they convey a message of lasting and universal significance, posing questions about how to cope with death and life.

Format: Hardback
Length: 194 pages
Publication date: 14 January 2022
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

Death, a persistent and unyielding force, continues to stalk every human being, regardless of time or place. However, this profound exploration of three remarkable German plays from the twentieth century delves into the daunting challenge of navigating life without the solace of salvation in a world plagued by war and unparalleled destruction. In the timeless morality play of Everyman, the universal protagonist is confronted with the inevitability of death, forcing him to confront his own mortality and the consequences of his actions. While his inner resources, embodied by Good Deeds and Knowledge, provide him with the means to repent and redeem himself, the sheer magnitude of death in the First and Second World Wars and the looming threat of nuclear destruction in the Cold War have irrevocably altered our perception of the end.

Brian Murdoch, in his insightful analysis, traces the enduring legacy of Everyman across these three plays, exploring the profound dramatic effects, evolving representations of Death, and the profound existential dilemma of living with human wickedness without the hope of salvation. These plays, while being viewed within their specific historical contexts, reveal a timeless message of universal significance. They pose profound questions about coping with death and, more importantly, with life itself. By examining them less rigidly and recognizing their place within a long dramatic tradition, Murdoch demonstrates that these plays offer insights and wisdom that transcend time and culture.

In Toller's Hinkemann, the protagonist, Hinkemann, is a man consumed by his own desires and driven by a thirst for power. Despite his apparent success and wealth, he is ultimately consumed by his own guilt and condemned to a tragic fate. The play explores the moral decay of a society driven by materialism and the consequences of pursuing personal gain at the expense of others. Through Hinkemann's journey, the play raises questions about the nature of morality, the value of human relationships, and the price of unchecked ambition.

Borchert's The Man Outside is a haunting portrayal of a man who, after surviving a war, finds himself trapped in a world of uncertainty and isolation. The play explores the psychological toll of war and the complexities of post-traumatic stress disorder. The protagonist, a former soldier, struggles to reintegrate into society and grapples with the haunting memories of his past. The play raises profound questions about the nature of trauma, the resilience of the human spirit, and the importance of seeking solace and healing in the face of adversity.

Frisch's The Arsonists/Firebugs is a satirical and darkly comic exploration of a society consumed by fear and paranoia. The play revolves around a group of arsonists who, driven by their political beliefs, set fire to buildings and institutions. The play satirizes the excesses of totalitarianism and the dangers of blind obedience to authority. Through the characters of the arsonists, the play raises questions about the nature of rebellion, the role of the individual in society, and the consequences of pursuing extremist ideologies.

These three plays, while distinct in their themes and styles, share a common thread of exploring the human condition in the face of adversity. They challenge us to confront our own mortality, question our moral values, and reflect on the choices we make in life. They remind us that death is not the end, but merely a transition to a new realm of existence. By examining the legacy of Everyman in these plays, we gain a deeper understanding of the human experience and the profound impact of war, destruction, and the search for meaning in a world that often seems chaotic and uncertain.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 158 x 237 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781640141179