Das Problem der Wandlung bei Rilke und Kafka (German text, Rainer Maria Rilke, Franz Kafka, Austria)

Despite their status as two of the most prominent German-language poets of this century, and a wealth of biographical and artistic affinities, Rainer Maria Rilke and Franz Kafka have seldom been placed in a comparative light by critics. This thesis addresses the relationship between both oeuvres, primarily by examining the treatment in selected works of a unifying theme: transformation.; While Rilke and Kafka define transformation in similar terms, i.e. as an existential need, the fulfillment of which offers a positive alternative to the status quo, but also makes often overwhelming demands of human beings, they differ in the degrees of optimism with which they approach the problem. Whereas Rilke is convinced of the individual's power to effect change, Kafka appears unable to overcome his fear and pessimism.; This thesis concentrates its attention on a close reading of the works most relevant to the transformation-theme: Rilke's "Wolle die Wandlung," and Kafka's "Die Verwandlung."...