Abstract
REQUENT references to E. A. Poe in the works of Ernst Jiinger, particularly in those written during and after World War II, raise two questions: First, what is it that attracts Jiinger and Poe ? And second, has Jiinger's interest in Poe influenced his own writings? This paper addresses itself to the first question. Concerning the second, let me simply say that I do not think it is possible to trace any direct influences of Poe on Jiinger. Undoubtedly Jiinger sees in Poe more than the expert craftsman of grotesque tales and romantic fantasies, although the role of the romantic element in Jiinger's work should not be underestimated. The relationship of the two authors is one of affinity rather than dependency, an affinity rooted in their common concert with one major literary theme-the theme of terror. Terror, as a literary theme, is as old as literature itself. The Greeks considered it an essential element of tragedy. In German literature the romantic poets, notably E. T. A. Hoffmann, were past masters at itso much so that, when the theme began to appear in Poe's writings, he was accused of plagiarizing the Germans. He defended himself against this charge by protesting that, if in many of my productions terror has been the thesis, I maintain that terror is not of Germany but of the soul.1
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call