The Problem of Memory in Bruno Schulz’ Oeuvre in the Perspective of German Memory Studies Cover Image

Problematyka pamięci w twórczości Brunona Schulza z perspektywy niemieckiej refleksji pamięcioznawczej
The Problem of Memory in Bruno Schulz’ Oeuvre in the Perspective of German Memory Studies

Author(s): Katarzyna Lukas
Subject(s): Epistemology, Aesthetics, Comparative Study of Literature, German Literature, Polish Literature, Culture and social structure
Published by: Fundacja Terytoria Książki
Keywords: Bruno Schulz;Aby Warburg;german philosophy;memory studies;

Summary/Abstract: The author attempts at reconstructing the concept of cultural memory found in Bruno Schulz’ oeuvre. The aim is to show that Schulz, not unlike Thomas Mann, anticipated some theoretical aspects of postmodern memory studies as pursued in Germany since the 1980s. On the one hand, there are striking affinities between Schulz and the art historian Aby Warburg whose ideas of “collective visual memory” and “pathos formulas”, developed until the 1920s, have only recently been rediscovered and acclaimed in the present-day cultural research. On the other hand, Schulz draws on Jung’s depth psychology by referring to the theory of archetypes and the common unconscious. Unlike Warburg’s, Jung’s ideas have been rejected in contemporary German memory studies because of their alleged biologistic flaw. Due to his affinities to both Warburg and Jung, Schulz suggests his own vision of individual and collective memory, which allows for reconciling the “biological” and the “culture oriented” reflection on collective memory and may be a source of inspiration in today’s research.

  • Issue Year: 12/2018
  • Issue No: 12
  • Page Range: 72-83
  • Page Count: 12
  • Language: Polish