Law and Literature: Paul Celan's Todesfuge

Podcast Beta

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary focus of Unit 1 in the course?

Study of Franz Kafka

Analysis of Paul Celan's 'Todesfuge' (correct)

Introduction to law in literature

Analysis of *Terror*

What percentage of the course assessment is based on the in-house essay?

30%

100%

50%

70% (correct)

Which figure is referenced repeatedly in Paul Celan's poem 'Todesfuge'?

Kafka

Sulamith (correct)

Margarete (correct)

Ferdinand

What type of literary structure does 'Todesfuge' represent?

Fugue Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the first temporal adverbs found in 'Todesfuge'?

Abends Signup and view all the answers

What effect does the sparing use of adjectives have in 'Todesfuge'?

Makes the text more abstract Signup and view all the answers

Who is the author of the play Terror explored in Unit 2?

Ferdinand von Schirach Signup and view all the answers

How can the opening image 'Schwarze Milch der Frühe' in 'Todesfuge' be interpreted?

As a metaphor for death Signup and view all the answers

What does the image described by the man suggest about his perspective on the Law?

He perceives the Law as elusive and out of reach. Signup and view all the answers

How is the doorman's role significant in the man's journey?

The doorman represents the barriers to accessing the Law. Signup and view all the answers

What can be inferred about the concept of aging in the context of the man and the doorman?

The doorman's immortality symbolizes eternal justice. Signup and view all the answers

What interpretation can be made about the ending of the text?

The ending implies acceptance of the Law's finality. Signup and view all the answers

How is the legal system depicted in relation to the man's experience?

It is depicted as complex and inaccessible to the average person. Signup and view all the answers

What interpretation can be made about the use of the word 'Meister' in the phrase 'der Tod ist ein Meister aus Deutschland'?

It conveys death as a skilled craftsman. Signup and view all the answers

How does the order of the names 'Margarete' and 'Sulamith' in the poem contribute to its meaning?

It signifies a contrast between innocence and guilt. Signup and view all the answers

What role does repetition play in the structure of the poem?

It creates a musical quality reminiscent of fugal structure. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'Bundesverfassungsgericht' in the context of the legal system mentioned?

It ensures the constitutionality of laws. Signup and view all the answers

How does the character of the presiding judge affect the audience in the first section of the play 'Terror'?

He creates a feeling of camaraderie with the audience. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'übergesetzlicher Notstand' refer to in the context of legal discussions?

A state of emergency that exceeds legal boundaries. Signup and view all the answers

Why might 'der Staatsanwalt' hold a significant role in the courtroom dynamics?

He represents the interests of the victims in the trial. Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible interpretation of the final lines in the poem?

They highlight the inevitability of death. Signup and view all the answers

What is Lars Koch accused of in the court case?

Shooting down a hijacked plane Signup and view all the answers

What does the Luftsicherheitsgesetz pertain to?

Air safety and security measures Signup and view all the answers

What argument does the public prosecutor present against Lars Koch's decision?

It was a violation of constitutional rights Signup and view all the answers

How did Lars Koch view the decision made by the Bundesverfassungsgericht regarding the Luftsicherheitsgesetz?

As a necessary legal framework for security Signup and view all the answers

What significant thought crossed Lars Koch's mind before he shot down the hijacked plane?

The immediate threat to civilians Signup and view all the answers

What essential question does Franziska Meiser pose regarding her husband's death?

Was the decision to shoot justified? Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase did the defence lawyer use to emphasize the limits of constitutional principles?

Wir müssen verstehen, dass es Grenzen für die Prinzipien unserer Verfassung gibt. Signup and view all the answers

During Lars Koch's training, what topic did he present to younger pilots?

The decision of the Bundesverfassungsgericht regarding Luftsicherheitsgesetz Signup and view all the answers

What principle does the public prosecutor emphasize in her argument?

The separation of law and morality. Signup and view all the answers

Which assertion reflects the public prosecutor's stance on human dignity?

Human dignity must be preserved at all times. Signup and view all the answers

What does the defence lawyer argue for in relation to 'the lesser evil'?

That sometimes harming others is justified to prevent greater harm. Signup and view all the answers

How is the case of The Queen versus Dudley and Stephens relevant to Lars Koch's conviction?

Both cases deal with the legality of killing in desperate situations. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument that leads to the acquittal of Lars Koch?

His actions were deemed necessary to prevent greater loss of life. Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary ethical question raised in the discussions surrounding Lars Koch's actions?

Is it acceptable to kill innocents to save others? Signup and view all the answers

In what way does the concept of parables relate to Kafka's works mentioned?

Parables often present ambiguous situations to provoke thought. Signup and view all the answers

What key theme is explored in both the philosophical discussions and Kafka's writings?

The struggle between individual desires and societal expectations. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction

This course aims to explore the intersection of law and literature.
Students will analyze various literary works to understand the portrayal of legal themes, systems, and concepts.

Course Structure

The course is divided into three units, each focusing on a different author and their work:
- Unit 1: Paul Celan's "Todesfuge"
- Unit 2: Ferdinand von Schirach's Terror
- Unit 3: Franz Kafka

Assessment

Continuous assessment will be 30% of the final grade.
An in-house essay worth 70% will be due in week 12, on November 29th.

Unit 1: Paul Celan, "Todesfuge"

"Todesfuge" means “death fugue,” a musical form characterized by repetition and interweaving themes.
In the poem, Celan uses this musical analogy to explore themes of death, memory, and the Holocaust.
The poem's opening image, "Schwarze Milch der Frühe”, juxtaposes a "black milk of the morning" with the typical image of milk as a symbol of nourishment and purity.
The poem's use of personal pronouns, possessive pronouns, temporal, and spatial adverbs contribute to its overall meaning.

Unit 2: Ferdinand von Schirach, Terror

Terror is a play exploring the dilemma of balancing moral responsibility with a legal framework.
The play revolves around the trial of Lars Koch, a fighter pilot accused of shooting down a hijacked plane.
The play confronts the “trolley cart problem” (Weichenstellerfall), a thought experiment about choosing between saving one life at the cost of another.

Key Terms

der Angeklagte - the accused
das Bundesverfassungsgericht - the Federal Constitutional Court
das Ermittlungsverfahren - investigation proceedings
der Freispruch - the acquittal
der Kläger - the plaintiff
der Mandant - the client
der Nebenkläger - joint plaintiff
übergesetzlicher Notstand - emergency beyond law
der Protokollführer - the person taking the minutes
der Staatsanwalt - the public prosecutor
das Schwurgericht - the court of first instance
Schöffen/Laienrichter - lay judges
das Strafgesetzbuch - the German Criminal Code
das Urteil - the judgement
der Verteidiger - the defence lawyer
die Veruteilung - the conviction
der Vorsitzende - the presiding judge
der Wachtmeister - the sergeant
der Zeuge - the witness

Unit 3: Franz Kafka

Kafka is a renowned writer known for his exploration of alienation, absurdity, and the power of social structures.
“Der Schlag ans Hoftor” (also known as "Es war im Sommer...") and “Vor dem Gesetz” are short stories that explore themes of law, justice, and the human condition.

"Der Schlag ans Hoftor"

The story follows a man’s journey to gain entry through a gate that represents the realm of law.
The discrepancy in aging between the man and the gatekeeper symbolizes the passage of time in the face of bureaucratic barriers.
The dying man’s perception of a "glanz" (brightness) emanating from the gate signifies a glimmer of hope, perhaps a glimpse of truth or justice.
The doorkeeper's pronouncements at the end highlight the theme of inaccessibility and the ultimate futility of pursuing justice

Themes

The study notes cover themes related to:
- The role of law in society
- The nature of justice
- The power of language and interpretation
- The relationship between law and morality
- The impact of historical events on literature

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz explores Paul Celan's poem 'Todesfuge' and its complex themes of death, memory, and the Holocaust. Students will analyze literary techniques and the portrayal of legal concepts within the text. Dive deeper into the intersectionality of law and literature through this poignant work.