"Einfach Puppe!" Die Wachspuppe in der Wirklichkeit und in der Imagination in Romantik und Moderne
Einfach Puppe! Die Wachspuppe in der Wirklichkeit und in der Imagination in Romantik und Moderne

Author: Vogel, Marianne

Source: Amsterdamer Beiträge zur neueren Germanistik, Textmaschinenkorper Genderorienterte Lekturen Des Androiden. Herausgegeben Eva Kormann, Anke Gilleir Und Angelika Schlimmer , pp. 105-115(11)

Publisher: Rodopi

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Abstract:

Wax figures have been used for many purposes and as their functions have changed, so has their role in literature. Important developments concerning wax figures took place in the Romantic period and again in the Modernist period. These practices were reflected and transformed in literature, for example in the novels of Jean Paul, and in texts of Walter Benjamin and other authors respectively. In this article, it is shown how these authors articulated the loss of masculinity and male identity through the use of wax figures. In the case of Jean Paul, who mainly used male wax figures, they symbolize - amongst other things - the powerless Self, impotent masculinity. In the case of Walter Benjamin and others, who were fascinated by female wax figures, they symbolize the powerful Other, mighty femininity.

Document Type: Research article

Publication date: 2006-01-01