An examination of the concept of Ordnung in Grillparzer's writings

Abstract

This thesis represents an attempt to trace and examine the concept of Ordnung throughout Grillparzer's writings. In the first chapter an examination is made of Grillparzer's prose writings i.e. the diaries and the literary studies. It is shown how the concept dominated his thinking in the aesthetic and political spheres. The lyric poems are discussed together with those diary entries which bear on Grillparzer's striving to attain Ordnung in his personal and creative life. The second chapter traces the germination of the concept in the earliest plays, up to the point where a definite formulation of a problem is encountered in his first two mature plays - Sappho and Das goldne Vliess, in which tragedy ensues because of unbalanced overemphasis on one-sided activity. The third chapter discusses further elaborations of the problem of attaining Ordnung which is increasingly worked out in the context of the state. Attention is drawn to the change in the character of these plays which indicates a more intellectual approach to the problem. The fourth chapter consists of a discussion of the three last plays in which the concept of Ordnung is analysed as the force which motivates the state and enables man to perceive his relation to the whole scheme of things. Ordnung is seen to be the visual sign of the presence of the divine on earth. It emerges that Ordnung can only be a vital force, if it is implemented in the active sphere and does not remain as a static ideal in the sphere of contemplation. The thesis concludes with some remarks upon the development of the concept of Ordnung throughout the body of Grillparzer's work.