| This study seeks to analyze the complex process of identity formation of intellectuals in the GDR that is based on a close reading of de Bruyn's major fictional works. It is argued that in de Bruyn's prose the concept of regional identity (such as that of Mark Brandenburg, the rural area surrounding Berlin) acted as a counterweight to the uniform socialist identity that the state sought to impose on its citizens.; Regional identity is seen as closely related to the concept of “Heimat” as it was defined in the works the anthropologist Ina-Maria Greverus. She defines “Heimat” as a place, where people attempt to create a culturally autonomous sphere, a place where culture is shaped and determined by the people. In de Bruyn's work, the connection to the regional “Heimat” is strengthened by the identification with and study of the history, literature and landscape of the region.; The desire to create “Heimat” is hindered by the socialist state that viewed cultural autonomous spheres as an endangerment of its power. This study shows how characters in de Bruyn's fictional works made different choices when faced with the desire to cultural autonomy and the demand for submission to the official state ideology. It is shown that a stronger bond to the region allowed a stronger resistance against the state ideology, but that in the end the state had the upper hand with regard to attempts to create spaces of cultural autonomy. The dissertation explains how de Bruyn uses elements of the traditional regional novel such as criticism of the metropolis as a center of political life to adapt this genre to the conditions in the GDR. |
