Repression and forgetting: Coming to terms with the past and identity in Bernhard Schlink’s “Der Vorleser” and Günther Grass’ “Die Blechtrommel”

Abstract

This thesis deals with the representation of coming to terms with the past and identity in two important German novels: Günter Grass' "Die Blechtrommel" (1959) and Bernhard Schlink's "Der Vorleser" (1997). The thesis analyzes the two novels with regard to their thematic treatment of guilt, shame and identity. The narrative techniques and the development of the protagonists are examined. In "Die Blechtrommel", Oskar Matzerath thematizes his story as part of a cross-generational family saga in 20th century Germany. The novel deals with guilt, identity and the political events that shape the lives of the characters. "Der Vorleser" focuses on the love affair between Michael Berg and Hanna Schmitz and the subsequent trial over Nazi crimes in which Hanna is accused. The novel explores questions of morality, guilt and responsibility and the challenges of coming to terms with the Holocaust. The thesis shows that both novels make important contributions to the discussion about coming to terms with the past and identity, despite their different chronology and thematic approaches. While "Die Blechtrommel" offers a direct confrontation with the events of the Second World War through the protagonist Oskar Mazerath, "Der Vorleser" reflects on the long-term effects and moral dilemmas of the post-war generation. Both works illustrate the complex processes of memory and identity formation in German society.