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5. Thomas Bernhard as a “Mozartkugel”: towards the literary reputation of the writer in Austria in the twenty-first сentury (OPEN ACCESS)

Thomas Bernhard as a “Mozartkugel”: towards the literary reputation of the writer in Austria in the twenty-first сentury (OPEN ACCESS)

Novikova S.Y.

Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia, s.y.novikova@spbu.ru

Abstract

The article examines the postum literary reputation of Thomas Bernhard (1931−1989) in Austria over the past few years. Based on the analysis of the Austrian periodical press between two anniversaries − the 30th anniversary of the writerʼs death and the 90th anniversary of his birth − as well as of the book publishing projects dedicated to these memorable dates, the sacralization and desacralization of the writerʼs image in the media are highlighted. The features of the biographical myth developing around the name of Bernhard are examined. The main constant of the image is revealed: Thomas Bernhard as one of the most important Austrian writers, the author of one central work − the play “Heroes Square” (Heldenplatz, 1988). This focus in the perception of Bernhard's oeuvre is associated with the work of overcoming the past in Austria.

Keywords

Austrian literature; literary reputation; Thomas Bernhard

For citing: Novikova S.Y. (2022). Thomas Bernhard as a “Mozartkugel”: towards the literary reputation of the writer in Austria in the twenty-first сentury. Human being: Image and essence. Humanitarian aspects. Moscow: INION RAN. Vol. 3(51): Power of literature – writer and authorities, pp. 80-101. DOI: 10.31249/chel/2022.03.05

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