Encountering Heinrich von Kleist in the works of John Banville and David Constantine

Tatlow, Helen Jane (2021). Encountering Heinrich von Kleist in the works of John Banville and David Constantine. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

This thesis examines the presence of German author Heinrich von Kleist (1777-1811) in the works of the anglophone authors John Banville (b. 1945) and David Constantine (b. 1944). Presenting analysis of translations, adaptations and works from the wider oeuvres of the English-speaking authors, the thesis identifies aspects of theme and style in their texts that have arguably been influenced by their engagement with Kleist. Additional insight is provided by an interview with each anglophone author. The analysis allows the thesis to explore the wide-ranging implications of Kleist’s presence in the oeuvres of Banville and Constantine. In this way the thesis aims to demonstrate that, with regard to Banville and Constantine, Kleist has a more significant presence in the anglophone literary scene than may have been widely acknowledged. Finally, the thesis discusses the disparate attitudes demonstrated by Banville and Constantine towards translation and intertextuality.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):