Avatars of the limit-situation in post-totalitarian witness literature

Abstract

The present paper aims at providing several interpretation patterns necessary for an applicative analysis of the concept of limit-situation, as it is revealed by testimonial literature produced by surviving witnesses of totalitarian oppression policies applied in the twentieth century. Approaching the limit-situation from the perspective of literary theory and criticism and relying on the heuristic value of the concept, generates a wide range of associations, from the theory and aesthetics of limit-situations to the relationship between expression means and the factual nature of experiences, thus configuring a possible topography of limit-situations. Starting with the psychological description coined by Karl Jaspers and further discussing several other philosophical perspectives on the limit situation the underlying analysis harbors the more precise definition of this type of experience and its relevance to any field of anthropological interest.