On Kertesz's Autobiographical Novel Writing

Swedish Royal College awarded The Nobel Prize in Literature2002to Imre Kertesz "for writing that upholds the fragile experience of the individual against the barbaric arbitrariness of history". Kertesz constantly recalled the decisive event in his life Auschwitz.In my opinion, Kertesz’s writing about Auschwitz is autobiographical. This paper aims to show his reflection on the Holocaust, as well as the practical significance by studying his autobiographical works.The paper is divided into six parts.The part of introduction, gives a brief introduction to Kertesz’s experience, works, awards and the present research status, and defines autobiographical writing of his novels, which leads to the object of study.Chapter one,the reason of Kertesz’s autobiographical writing. This chapter expatiates the historical cause of his autobiographical writing,by investigating the characteristics of "Holocaust Literature" group.Chapter two, the core connotation of Kertesz’s autobiographical writing.The thesis makes further reaserch on the intrinsic connection between "concentration camp" theme of Kertesz’s novels and traumatic memories. Through the description of the traumatic experiences of the leading characters, his works give expression to his reflections on the Holocaust and totalitarianism.Chapter three, the individual significance of Kertesz’s autobiographical writing. The author applies the contemporary trauma theory to analyze the construction of characters’ psychological trauma and identities, and seek the individual significance in Kertesz’s autobiographical writing.Chapter four, the historical significance of Kertesz’s autobiographical writing. This chapter points out the memory is not only Kertesz’s personal injury, but also the collective trauma.His autobiographical works describe the traumatic experiences of the leading characters,and reflect the collective survival state.Conclusion summarizes the key points of this paper.