Language:
English
Year of publication:
1996
Titel der Quelle:
Journal of Holocaust Education
Angaben zur Quelle:
5,1 (1996) 1-13
Keywords:
Améry, Jean.
;
Wander, Fred,
;
Nazi concentration camps
;
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945), in literature
;
Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945) Personal narratives
Abstract:
Examines two autobiographical works on the concentration camp experience - Wander's partly fictional "Der siebente Brunnen" (1971) and Amery's "Jenseits von Schuld und Suehne" (1966) - as literary texts. As writers, Wander and Améry have much in common: both were born in Vienna, both refused to return to Austria after the war, both published their works only in the 1960s, after having reflected on their ordeals a long time. But there are also differences. Wander relates his experiences at Auschwitz and Buchenwald; Améry relates his entire life. Wander is preoccupied by the form of his narrative, with the problem of how to communicate his experience; his text gives few insights into his personal survival. Améry focuses on his intellectual development, and on the psychological effect of Auschwitz on him. Having experienced antisemitism in Vienna in 1938, Améry is eager to take revenge - for him, it is the only way to restore his Jewish dignity. Wander chooses to regain his dignity via the written word.
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