DER HUMANITÄTSGEDANKE IM MODERNEN DEUTSCHEN ROMAN: EINE GESCHICHTLICH-ANALYTISCHE UNTERSUCHUNG

Abstract

By means of an analytical investigation of the concept of humanism, as problematicised in the relevant novels, the aim was to formulate a synthesis between a particular novelist on the one hand and various novelistson the other hand, as well as defining a postulate which may be able to reveal the philosophical- practical connections concerning the concept of humanism . The conclusion that the concept of humanism plays a pertinentrole in the modern German novel, is based on the following : All men are equal on the basis of them being human and one human being may not be exploited by another one . The individual tests different roles andin his inaccessibility psychological and psycho- analytical aspects are involved . Simultaneously the exposure of man as well as his fear and loneliness is revealed .The view, that life is not only an existence, which is directed towardsdeath, but that it also contains a certain amount of boredom, has been confirmed . In this context the theories of Hegel and Nietzsche, which see world history as a process of perpetual repetition, are relevant .The characters resign from their existence too easily, while submitting themselves to the process of becoming self-conscious of the world spirit as Hegel sees it, or to Schopenhauer 's world will. The fact that they neither accept their fate, nor use their own reason, is confirmed by the presence of mentors .The but community of man implies a meaningful existence the characters of the novels tend to withdraw to Kant and Jaspers, themselves from the community . In this way they reveal not only a lack of responsibility, but also betray their own essence, if one sees them against the background of Hegel's theory, which holds that reality reflects man's i ngenuity. Although their eyes are opened by their experiences, life as such is oflittle value to them, because they remain incapable of letting other people profit from their encounters . Schopenhauer's idea, that every human being has its own representation of the world, is very clearly portrayed by Kafka's very unique exposition. He strives to create an unimaginable reality, which meets the demands of Kant's elevation and Nietzsche's inversion of all the hitherto accepted values. Although Kafka himself offers a concept of a humane alternative to the contemporary world, man has to concede for the time being, that the "Ding an sich" evades the human consciousness in as much as man himself stands in his own way of recognition. Broch constitutes, that fulfilmentcan only be accomplished in the dream. In their appeal for compassion and in their endeavour to disclose the disproportions of their time, the authors are, in accordance with the views of Horkheimer and Adorno, critical towards the community. Although the characters of the novels are incapable of bringing about significant changes, this research reveals clearly the high priority of humane behaviour.