'Cold media': the poetry of science and the science of poetry

Abstract

This paper addresses the interest in science amongst modern German poets. Although, in the twentieth century at least, literature and science have often been considered quite separate cultures, it could be argued that they share similarities of mode and preoccupation, especially in the use of metaphor. Whether they are but chance acquaintances or share more profound affinities is examined with special reference to two distinguished young writers: Durs Grünbein and Raoul Schrott. However different their tone and diction, they have in common that they do not simply raid the exotic and seductive vocabularies of science, as do many of their contemporaries. Instead they employ a scientific view as a way of apprehending the world. Finally, both attend to that which is beyond the reach of scientific thinking and try to give it voice.