Within the extensive textual typology of Walter Benjamin's work, the essay acquired pivotal significance. The author portraits - from Hebel to Keller, from Leskov to Proust and Kafka - turn out as attempts to mirror the critic's inner doubts in the persona of another. In particular, Benjamin's renowned 1931 essay on Karl Kraus can be read as his effort to intellectually and ideologically position himself within a crucial transition phase. This tripartite work portrays Karl Kraus first as “universal man” (Allmensch), a tireless defender of the purity of language and the dignity of every single creature; then as “demon” (Dämon), a satirical and violent mime; and finally as “inhuman 1” (Unmensch), an unwitting revolutionary able to overcome both demon and universal man. In order to pinpoint the telos of this revolution, a “power station” (Kraftstation) in needed, as a cryptic note by the author himself suggests. Benjamin's essay, it is argued here, is just such a power station.
Der Essay als Kraftstation. Walter Benjamins „Karl Kraus“
DOROWIN, Hermann
2016
Abstract
Within the extensive textual typology of Walter Benjamin's work, the essay acquired pivotal significance. The author portraits - from Hebel to Keller, from Leskov to Proust and Kafka - turn out as attempts to mirror the critic's inner doubts in the persona of another. In particular, Benjamin's renowned 1931 essay on Karl Kraus can be read as his effort to intellectually and ideologically position himself within a crucial transition phase. This tripartite work portrays Karl Kraus first as “universal man” (Allmensch), a tireless defender of the purity of language and the dignity of every single creature; then as “demon” (Dämon), a satirical and violent mime; and finally as “inhuman 1” (Unmensch), an unwitting revolutionary able to overcome both demon and universal man. In order to pinpoint the telos of this revolution, a “power station” (Kraftstation) in needed, as a cryptic note by the author himself suggests. Benjamin's essay, it is argued here, is just such a power station.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
