Der Deutsche Essay im 20. Jahrhundert

Abstract

The present paper sketches the historical development of the German essay in the 20th century. The starting point is theoretical considerations of the essay as a literary genre. The main characteristics of the essay are then illustrated in representative German essays which are examined on social-political background. The historical determination of the German essay in the 20th century causes its thematic characteristics: politics and art. The scope of the paper is to illustrate the relationship between art and social and political reality and to explain the interaction of art and politics as depicted in various essays throughout the previous century. Keywords: essay, art, politics.