Document Type

Dissertation

Date of Award

1976

Keywords

Henrik Ibsen, Arthur Schnitzler, Truth in literature

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Comparative Literature

First Advisor

Haskell M. Block

Second Advisor

George E. Wellwarth

Third Advisor

Robert O. Weiss

Abstract

When examining Ibsen's and Schnitzler's dramas the major question is what is the dramatic impact that the revelation of truth has on the characters. Thus our study will be directed toward considering the purpose of and the reason for the need of truth. What effect, we must ask, does the lack of the knowledge of truth have on the characters? Similarly, what effect does knowledge of the truth have on them Finally, why are the characters unable to attain truth? If these questions are considered in relation to the action of the drama, much can be learned about its framework and about both authors’ treatment of truth.

To accomplish the above goals the following organization will be employed:

  1. In chapter one, the introduction, the relationship between Ibsen and Schnitzler, as well as the justification for study of the truth problem has been offered.
  2. Chapter two will be a comparative study toward an understanding of truth. Three basic areas will be examined: a) science; b) philosophy and c) literature.
  3. The third chapter will include a brief sketch of the truth problem in Ibsen’s works, and an extensive examination of three works. At all times Ibsen’s other works will be cited when applicable.
  4. The last chapter is devoted to Arthur Schnitzler. It begins with a discussion of some basic principles of Schnitzler’s Weltanschauung, and then considers the explicit explanation of truth as stated in Schnitzler’s unpublished dramatic fragment Die alten Schüler. Following this, Schnitzler’s unpublished dramatic fragment Wahrheit is discussed. The introduction to this chapter concludes with a survey of Schnitzler’s works indicating their relationship to truth. In the following chapter, a discussion of Schnitzler’s works is concerned with three areas: a) “Politics and Truth”; b) “Personal Relations and Truth”; and c) "The Individual and Truth." Ibsen’s works will be cited when appropriate in order to establish areas of convergence or divergence.
  5. After a summary of the results of the study, a selective bibliography will be included.
  6. Two appendices are offered. The first lists Ibsen performances seen by Schnitzler during the period of 1890 to 1931. The second appendix represents a brief survey of scholarship on Schnitzler for the period of 1965 to 1975.

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