Abstracts "Visions of Peaceful Alternatives to War: The Anti-hero in Michael Köhlmeier's Telemach" Heroism seems to have gone out of fashion in our times. This rebellion against heroism appears to be especially predominant in modern Austrian and modern German literature. Even though many contemporary works are set at the time of World War II or its aftermath, most authors do not glorify the traditional war hero. Heinrich Böll's work, e. g., could be characterized by one reoccurring motive: the senselessness of war. Felix Mitterer's work can serve as second example. His empathy is very often with those who suffered from the consequences of war, rather than with those who excelled through their brave fighting spirit. Michael Köhlmeier's Telemach is one more example that illustrates this phenomenon. The novel retells Telemachos' journey in search for his father Odysseus, albeit in the setting of our modern times. The Greek gods, in particular Athena, appear strangely weakened and powerless in this novel-very similar to the situation in real modern life where God more often than not seems to be relegated to a back-seat. Köhlmeier's novel represents a backlash against the falsely praised heroism of the Nazis and offers powerful visions of atrocious war-time cruelties-on the one hand-and visions of peaceful alternatives to war-on the other hand. One small but characteristic detail of Köhlmeier's carefully composed novel may serve as example: When Telemachos is first introduced to the reader, and also at the end of the novel, he is on the telephone with his girlfriend Evangeline. This metaphor is significant for his development. Telemachos' girlfriend Evangeline is the one "who brings good news to him," "who brings the Gospel to him," as it were. Her name indicates her function. The goddess Athena, however, has to concede defeat: she is forced to abandon her plan, she does not succeed in turning Telemachos into a "fighter." It is Evangeline who reveals in her love-talk aspects of life to Telemachos that seem worthier to him than killing, no matter for which cause. I intend to discuss the validity and practical applicability of Köhlmeier's visions of peaceful alternatives to war. Furthermore, I would like to compare certain aspects of Köhlmeier's Telemach with Inge Merkel's Penelope. Eine ganz gewöhnliche Ehe. abstract-liste | core | home | kunstraum.gleisdorf [46•01] |
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