Arthur Schnitzlers Traumnovelle - Stanley Kubricks Eyes Wide Shut. Das Geheimnis der Ehe.

Abstract

This Master’s Thesis is a compared analysis of Arthur Schnitzler’s Traumnovelle which was published in 1925 and its cinematic adaption by Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut in 1996. The story focuses on a married couple namely Fridolin and Albertine and vice versa Bill and Alice that gets into a crisis. The problems rise from jealousy and mistrust when both the protagonists open up about their unfulfilled dreams and sexual longings with other human beings. The thesis tries to elaborate an answer to the question: What is the secret of their marriages. Most of the studies have investigated the setting, the plot, motifs and other cinematic features while this thesis concentrates on the relationship between the main characters. One specific difference in comparison to other works of Arthur Schnitzler is the ending of his novels. Surprisingly, the Traumnovelle is the only novel that has a happy end and the protagonists do not separate or die. This is the initial point where the thesis wants to ask the question why? How come that Fridolin and Albertine find their ways back together. What has been the real source of their issues and what makes it possible to overcome those, if so. And further: In what respect differs or resembles the relationship of Fridolin and Albertine from the protagonists in Eyes Wides Shut?