Professional paper
Beyond the Written Veil: Autobiographical Reflections and Literary Allusions in Max Frisch’s Montauk
Sabina Osmanović
; University of Montenegro
Abstract
The novel Montauk by Max Frisch represents an attempt to utilize autobiographical writing as a means of escaping guilt, the bitterness of approaching age, and the feelings of powerlessness and resignation. Furthermore, it analyses the thematic and formal references to the French philosopher Montaigne, as well as the references to the U.S. author Philip Roth that are encountered in Frisch’s work. The central point of Frisch’s novel revolves around feelings of guilt concerning the women in his life. In Montauk, his alter ego endeavours to depict himself through descriptions of his failed relationships, although their analysis appears to serve as a way of lessening his guilt. The question that arises is to what extent written confessions can alleviate these feelings and function as a self-therapy for a character in search of purpose in his life. The novel skilfully blurs the distinction between fiction and reality, ultimately highlighting the power of writing as the exclusive avenue to transcend the challenges of reality. It artfully guides readers towards a realm where self-awareness is achieved, revealing the transformative power of the written word in navigating the complexities of existence.
Keywords
Max Frisch; Montauk; autobiographical writing; crisis of meaning; feelings of guilt; fiction vs. reality
Hrčak ID:
330848
URI
Publication date:
13.5.2025.
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