Arthur Schnitzler

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Schnitzler-birthplace Praterstrasse1

Arthur Schnitzler (um 1878)

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Arthur Schnitzler (1862–1931) 1906 © Aura Hertwig (1861–1944) OeNB 3779022

Arthur Schnitzler (1862–1931) 1927 © Ernst Förster (1879–1943) OeNB 7266842

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Wien - Schnitzler-Denkmal im Türkenschanzpark

Arthur Schnitzler (15 May 1862 – 21 October 1931) was an Austrian author and dramatist, known for his critical reflection on the psychology of love and sexuality. Schnitzler's work is marked by its keen insight into the complexities of human emotion and social interaction, often exploring themes of identity, memory, and desire. His narratives frequently delve into the inner lives of his characters, revealing the hidden motivations behind their actions and the intricate dynamics of personal relationships.

Biography

Arthur Schnitzler was born in Vienna, Austria, into a Jewish family. His father, Johann Schnitzler, was a prominent laryngologist, which influenced Arthur's initial decision to pursue a career in medicine. After completing his medical studies at the University of Vienna, Schnitzler began to practice as a doctor. However, his passion for literature and writing soon took precedence, leading him to reduce his medical work in favor of his literary pursuits.

Throughout his career, Schnitzler faced controversy and criticism for his frank depiction of sexuality and the moral ambiguities of his characters. His most famous work, La Ronde (1900), a series of ten dialogues depicting sexual encounters across different social classes, was particularly scandalous and was not performed in Vienna until after his death.

Despite the controversies, Schnitzler's contributions to literature were significant. He was a contemporary and interlocutor of Sigmund Freud, with whom he shared an interest in the unconscious and the hidden drives that govern human behavior. Their correspondence reflects a mutual admiration and a shared fascination with the psychological underpinnings of human action.

Major Works

Schnitzler's oeuvre includes novels, short stories, and plays. Some of his most notable works are:

- Lieutenant Gustl (1900) – One of the first instances of stream-of-consciousness narration, this novella explores the inner thoughts of a young officer. - Anatol (1893) – A cycle of one-act plays revolving around the titular character and his romantic encounters, showcasing Schnitzler's skill in capturing the fleeting nature of love. - The Road into the Open (Der Weg ins Freie, 1908) – A novel that provides a critical examination of the assimilation and antisemitism experienced by Jews in Viennese society. - Dream Story (Traumnovelle, 1926) – A novella that delves into the themes of fantasy, reality, and the boundaries between them, later adapted into the film Eyes Wide Shut by Stanley Kubrick.

Legacy

Arthur Schnitzler's literary legacy is characterized by his exploration of the subconscious and the moral complexities of the fin-de-siècle Vienna. His works continue to be studied and admired for their psychological depth and their nuanced portrayal of human desire and alienation. Schnitzler's influence extends beyond literature into psychology and the understanding of human behavior, bridging the gap between the sciences and the humanities.

See Also

- Viennese Modernism - Sigmund Freud - Stream of consciousness (narrative mode)