Sonja Longolius Book order

Authors not only create artworks. In the process of creating, they simultaneously bring to life their author personae. Approaching this phenomenon from an interdisciplinary point of view, Sonja Longolius develops a concept of »performative authorship« by examining different strategies of becoming an author. In regard to the notion of her concept, this work offers a critical and comparative analysis of the works of Paul Auster, Candice Breitz, Sophie Calle, and Jonathan Safran Foer. Specifically, Auster/Calle and Breitz/Foer form a generational pair of opposites, enabling a discussion of postmodern and post-postmodern artistic strategies of »performative authorship«.

Focusing on themes of identity and assimilation, this seminar paper analyzes two novels from early 20th-century American minority literature. James Weldon Johnson's "The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man" and Abraham Cahan's "The Rise of David Levinsky" reflect the struggles of their protagonists from distinct backgrounds during a time of societal change. Despite their differences, both works explore the profound quest for an American identity and the sacrifices involved in the process of assimilation, highlighting the shared experiences of marginalized groups.

Felix Nussbaum's poignant plea to preserve his artwork amidst the despair of exile highlights the profound connection between the artist and his creations. Despite facing the horrors of National-Socialism and the imminent threat to his life, he remained dedicated to ensuring that his paintings would endure beyond his death. The paper explores the themes of hope and artistic legacy in the context of Nussbaum's tragic life, culminating in his murder in Auschwitz alongside his wife, Felka Platek, just two years after his heartfelt declaration.

Walt Whitman's 1871 essay, written shortly after the Civil War, reflects on the significant transformations in America during the 1860s and 70s, particularly the shift towards industrialization and materialism. Despite recognizing the allure of wealth and prosperity, Whitman emphasizes the importance of a deeper understanding of democracy and the challenges of re-unification. His work serves as a critical examination of America's identity at a pivotal moment in its history, urging a reflection on the nation's democratic future amidst ongoing societal changes.

Focusing on the early 20th century, this seminar paper examines the impact of mass immigration through Ellis Island, where Lewis W. Hine documented the arrival of millions, predominantly from Southern and Eastern Europe. It highlights the peak year of 1907, when daily arrivals reached nearly 3,000. The paper discusses the negative reactions of native New Yorkers and Americans, driven by prejudice and fear of job competition, towards these new immigrants, contrasting their experiences with those of earlier arrivals from Northern and Western Europe.

The paper examines the evolution of the American art scene in the 1950s and 1960s, focusing on Robert Rauschenberg's pioneering role in transitioning from Abstract Expressionism to Pop Art. It highlights the significance of Rauschenberg's early works and analyzes Susan Sontag's influential essays from the mid-1960s, which shaped art criticism and introduced a new sensibility to audiences. This exploration emphasizes the interconnectedness of Rauschenberg's artistry and Sontag's critical perspective in understanding the cultural landscape of the era.