Die Novelle in der deutschen Gegenwartsliteratur: Eine Untersuchung des modernen novellistischen Erzaehlens anhand der Novellen 'Katz und Maus' von Guenter Grass, 'Ein fliehendes Pferd' von Martin Walser, 'Die Denunziation' von Gert Hofmann, und 'Die Sire

This thesis investigates the renewed interest in the genre of the novella since 1978. Instead of presupposing a fixed definition of the novella as a genre the starting point of this investigation looks at a broad understanding of "novellistisches Erzahlen" (novella-narration), based upon common expectations of this genre among writers and readers. This way the various forms of novella-narration as they are expressed primarily in works since 1978 can help towards a contemporary concept of the genre. Furthermore the resurrection of the novella will be examined as a literary phenomenon in the general context of literary developments in Germany in the late seventies.; The first chapter identifies the criteria of form that traditionally have been associated with the creation and discussion of this genre. These criteria have influenced and continue to influence the evolution of the novella. Special emphasis has been given to attitudes of narration typical of the nineteenth-century novellas. In this context the following question will be addressed: Which of the traditional form-criteria remain relevant and applicable at a time in which the literary presentation of reality has greatly changed? Once a general agreement on the narrative features, which constitute the notion of the novella in a work, has been established, four interpretative chapters will demonstrate the way in which typical expressions of novella-narration are used primarily as part of a strategy, that focuses on the 'traditional omniscient' narrator often in a parodistic and ironic manner. The works Katz und Maus by Gunter Grass, Ein fliehendes Pferd by Martin Walser, Die Denunziation by Gert Hofmann and Die Sirene by Dieter Wellershoff are discussed as representative of a contemporary understanding of this genre. In addition to their significance towards a modern novella concept this selection provides insight into three forms of narration that are typical of the novella.; The conclusion draws connections between a redefined understanding of the novella genre which can no longer be described as a continuous progression of innovative techniques and the literary condition of the late seventies during which more traditional forms of narration were rediscovered.