A study of Friedrich Hebbel's poetic language with special reference to the use of imagery and symbols

Abstract

In this thesis an attempt has been made to present the poetic language of Friedrich Hebbel as an organic whole, rather than to give preference to his writings either in the lyric or the dramatic form. It is first shown developing to comparative individuality in the early poems by which Hebbel became known to the public. Then certain dominant features of imagery and symbolism which can already be seen emerging in the early poems are examined in those after 1836, the year in which Hebbel left his native region and gained access to wider spheres of knowledge, experience and acquaintanceship, with a view to shedding light both on the nature of the man and on his poetic method. In the third section the characteristic image-groups and symbols are considered as they are adapted to meet the needs of dramatic presentation in Hebbel's major plays. Finally certain conclusions are suggested as to the nature of the poet's task in presenting his ideas through the medium of language, in view of the conditions imposed by the requirements of the lyric and the dramatic form. Hebbel's diaries are regarded throughout as the prime source of information concerning the movements of his life, as a record of his emotional, spiritual and intellectual development and as artist's notebooks in which he collected potential poetic material. The evidence found in the diaries is supported and supplemented by reference to Hebbel's letters and theoretical writings in an attempt to give a comprehensive analysis of him as a creative linguistic artist.