The Reception Of Thornton Wilder's Plays In Germany

Abstract

IN 1945, the Germans were confronted with the problem of becoming acquainted again with some of the literary and cultural developments which had been going on in the outside world during the twelve years of the Hitler regime. In their theater American and French playwrights soon caused surprise, at times confusion, and frequently excitement. Two writers in particular, Jean Anouilh and Thornton Wilder, became the center of spirited discussion and were often looked upon as representatives of the modern French and American drama respectively. The work of both men was considered unusual in form and content, but by 1957 there was every evidence that Wilder's reputation in Germany had far outshone that of Anouilh.