The Boundaries of the Apocalypse: Catastrophic Visions as Depicted in the Novels by Krzysztof Varga and Hannes Stein Cover Image

Grenzen der Apokalypse. Katastrophische Visionen bei Krzysztof Varga und Hannes Stein
The Boundaries of the Apocalypse: Catastrophic Visions as Depicted in the Novels by Krzysztof Varga and Hannes Stein

Author(s): Jolanta Pacyniak
Subject(s): Language and Literature Studies, Studies of Literature, German Literature, Polish Literature, Philology
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Warmińsko-Mazurskiego w Olsztynie
Keywords: Apocalypse in literature; catastrophe in literature; Krzysztof Varga; Hannes Stein; alternate history; utopia; dystopia

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this article is to analyze two novels, namely Nagrobek z lastryko(A Terrazzo Tomb) by Krzysztof Varga and Der Komet (The Comet). Despite the differ-ences that occur between the two novels (a dystopian version of the future in the former, and an alternative history in the latter), the predicted end of the world does not take place, while the apocalypse blurs. Equally resistant to change is also the existing societal structure as the catastrophe does not bring a new hierarchy. Both novels use the images of WWII as the pattern to create the literary vision of a total disaster.

  • Issue Year: 2/2019
  • Issue No: XXI
  • Page Range: 105-112
  • Page Count: 8
  • Language: German