Date of Award
5-1973
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Languages & Literatures
Abstract
Death was, a major concern for Heinrich von Kleist (1777-1811) I in his literary works and in his life. This thesis traces that concern through his letters, anecdotes, dramas, and Novelle. The works are discussed and, in most cases, analyzed separately on the basis of death's role in them as a motivating, complicati.ng, and resolving factor, in order to better understand the meaning of death for Kledst's characters and for Kleist himself. The discussions include pertinent comment from selected critics, to compare and contrast 9ther interpretations of these deaths. An initial review of Kleist's life and a concluding section on his suicide form a bio- \, graphical framework for the treatment of his literary works. While analysis of the works and criticism shows a complex and rich variety of interpretations of death, the biographical sections express the conclusion that Kleist's suicide was the result of chronic, severe depression, insecurity and anxiety, a psychological vulnerability aggravated by his inability to form supportive love relationships and the failure of his family and contemporaries to recognize his literary genius
Recommended Citation
Stetzner, Leah Manning, "The Meaning of Death For Heinrich Von Kleist" (1973). Theses and Dissertations. 6239.
https://commons.und.edu/theses/6239