Die Judenbuche : an epically inspired anti-epic?
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Annette von Droste-Hulshoff's 1842 Novella, Die Judenbuche is considered one of the richest pieces of German literature. An author between Romanticism and Realism, Droste-Hulshoff combines vivid aspects of the Romantic tradition as well as captures a Realist depiction of life in a small, repressive German village in Westphalia. Because of the many different themes within the novella, as well as the combination of Romantic and Realist elements placing the text within a single genre has been quite difficult. While she herself described Die Judenbuche as a criminal novel, many scholars have contested this assertion, claiming it belongs to Biedermeier or various other genres. Droste-Hulshoff also includes references and allusions to both The Odyssey and the Four Biblical Gospels which come together to form a rich and layered narrative with much to analyze and unpack This thesis will analyze the text through the lens of genre, arguing that Droste-Hulshoff's text can be read as an anti-epic which subverts, and challenges, the epic elements set forth by Homer's The Odyssey as well as the Four Biblical Gospels. By examining the various characters, symbols, and motifs, which overlap with both The Odyssey and The Gospels, I will argue Droste-Hulshoff's novella is not only a mere criminal story, but also an epically inspired anti-epic situated within the heart of Westphalia in depths of the Westphalian forest.
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M.A.