Prethodno priopćenje
https://doi.org/10.29162/ANAFORA.v8i2.10
Taboo Breaking as a Strategy? On the Representation of Dementia in Tilman Jens’ Demenz. Abschied Von Meinem Vater (2009)
Michael Fassel
; Philosophische Fakultät, Universität Siegen, Deutschland
Sažetak
In the context of this autobiographical narrative, in which Tilman Jens describes the mental decline of his father Walter, the author designates himself as a taboo-breaker since according to him dementia contains an inherent stigma. In fact, it is possible to consider Jens a pioneer of German-language literature on dementia, and the outrageous reactions by arts sections of several national newspapers may confirm this central thesis at first glance. This paper takes a closer look at Jens’ text as well as the critical reviews, and aims to show that it is not the thematisation of dementia, but rather the way in which the prominent personality of Walter Jens is portrayed that triggers ethical concerns. Against this background, this analysis draws on the understanding of taboo according to Sigmund Freud, firstly to determine whether and to what extent Jens is breaking a taboo. Building on this, the article pursues the thesis that it is above all the depiction of the illness-related memory loss of a prominent intellectual like Walter Jens that is the real scandal, while comparable dementia narratives are discussed much more positively. In the light of the demented Walter Jens, Thomas Mann’s consideration that it depends on who is ill proves to be decidedly relevant.
Ključne riječi
dementia, taboo, illness, pathography, father, Tilman Jens, Demenz Abschied Von Meinem Vater
Hrčak ID:
269633
URI
Datum izdavanja:
23.12.2021.
Posjeta: 1.077 *