A critical study of Kleist's tales

Abstract

This thesis is divided into five sections. In the introduction the development of the short story before Kleist is outlined and two chief forms are distinguished, one emphasising incident, the other character. The diverse sources of jileist's tales are considered in the second chapter. in Michael Kohlhaas a chronicle is developed into a tale with the fundamental theme of a search for justice. Die Marquise von 0.... presents the theme of a moral story, transformed by the author's individual treatment of the chief characters. Die Yerlobung in St.Domingo was suggested by contemporary events, and the theme of Das Bettelweib von Locarno was familiar in Kleist's day. Der Findling was influenced by Moliere's Le Tartuffe, and Der Zweikampf by episodes from Froissart and Cervantes. it "Das Erdbeben in chili and Die Heilige Cacilie are examples of original invention.in the third chapter the nature of the themes is discussed, and an attempt is made to interpret their tragic content. Tragic conflict in the individual is found to consist either in confusion of feeling or in disharmony with his surroundings. A fundamental problem of justice is shown to underlie three of the tales : Michael Kohlhaas, Das Erdbeben in Chili, and Der zweikampf. The fourth chapter deals with methods of artistic expression. The underlying idea is shown to be reflected in the external action. Characteristics of Kleist's narrative style are discussed with reference to epic and dramatic methods and economy in diction. In conclusion an attempt is made to estimate Kleist's achievement, particularly his fusion, by portrayal of a close relationship between character and circumstance, of the two former types of tale, illustrations from subsequent writers are given, which reveal how the form thus created persists with modifications in German literature, and show the influence of Kleist upon the themes of German Novelien.