Elias Canetti

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Elias Canetti's Reflective Prose

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Since reflective thought is of central importance in Canetti's writing, this discussion regards his prose as provocative reflections—provocative in a dual sense—first, to Canetti, who intentionally writes to stimulate his thought; and secondly, to readers reacting to his observations. (p. 130)

The element of reflection is especially visible in the notations, the Aufzeichnungen, where Canetti covers innumerable topics in a variety of concise forms. The provocative quality stems most directly from the dialectical structure of the short commentaries, with Canetti seeking new ideas by means of opposing suppositions. Each notation can stand alone as an independent, excursive observation, but collectively the notations constitute intellectual explorations of diverse regions. The fifty sketches included in Der Ohrenzeuge … and the recollective narrative of Die Stimmen von Marrakesch … are also explorative. Like the Aufzeichnungen they investigate human motives and attain a timelessness which transcends but does not ignore intellectual questions of contemporary concern.

As is true of most reflective writing, his prose requires the concentration of the reader and would therefore not appeal to the casual erudite…. The prose appeals rather to the analytical reader who reacts to Canetti's observations and then formulates a personal commentary. Canetti also writes in this additive manner, developing his ideas in response to his initial thoughts and to the observations of others. (pp. 130-31)

Still Canetti's prose demands more of the reader than concentration and analysis; a receptivity to the thematic and structural diversity of his prose is also a prerequisite. In addition to his familiar themes of power, the masses, death, and transformation, the reader also encounters general observations on language, religion, culture, and aspects of contemporary life, such as the implications of lunar exploration and the position of the poet in modern society….

Canetti's prose thus covers a wide range of topics, which he often develops dialectically or by tangential digression. (p. 132)

[Other] factors suggest that Canetti has written a prose of provocative reflections. His diverse approaches to a given topic, for example, attest to his purposeful communication of reflective thought. He can be succinct, shocking, humorous, or contradictory; and sometimes he is all of these at once…. (p. 134)

Yet Canetti's numerous commentaries on any one topic are not simply repetition but rather continuations of discussions. His frequent reflections about death fall in this category, for they are deliberate attempts to widen his perception of the subject. In steadily pursuing topics over the years Canetti also practices his belief in the continuous examination of crucial issues. It is apparent, however, that he views his reflections in a larger context. His aggressive rejection of death is a case in point: rejection of death is essential to a full exploration of life. His preoccupation with death is then related to his belief in the possibility of intellectual growth and subsequent change…. Since he does not consider death in the sense of mental deterioration to be inevitable, he relentlessly rejects intellectual decline in principle and in practice. His remarks about death are thus part of his energetic support of life, which he defends against life's most formidable opponent, death.

Equally striking is the extent of Canetti's respect for life. He does not limit his concern but extends his sympathy to all living beings from the rabid camel to the human bundle crouching on the ground, two extreme cases vividly depicted in Die Stimmen von Marrakesch…. His concern for human beings is also the motivating force behind his character sketches, where he exposes individuals committed only to self-aggrandizement. Canetti is concerned about them and recognizes the need for objective awareness of their existence…. At the same time his belief in the potential of mankind enables him to criticize with a measure of moderation. He is able to reveal imperfection without irreversibly indicting the individual or condemning mankind to its imperfect state. Canetti's reluctance to draw premature conclusions thus stands the individual in good stead, allowing, as it does, for the further development of character.

In much the same way the critic of Canetti is reluctant to draw final conclusions about Canetti's evolving prose…. [The] critic accustomed to the desperate confusion reflected in the literature of the later twentieth century may be moved to note that the reflective writing of Canetti is a stimulating and complementary addition to contemporary prose. It is stimulating to share ideas with an author who verbalizes his thoughts with clarity, frequent wit, and appropriate compassion. It is also encouraging to encounter the refutation of inevitability and the advocacy of spirited inquiry. In this respect Canetti is the antipode to the writer who records primarily the spiritual malnutrition of contemporary society and the resulting loss of illusions. Canetti possesses a view of life which impels him to search for alternative approaches to existence. (pp. 135-36)

Canetti's commitment to the investigation of existence is perceptible in all of his writings, and in his essay Der Beruf des Dichters … he directly discusses the position of the poet in modern society. In his opinion authors must assume responsibility for the condition of man even though they can not necessarily prevent disasters by means of their words. This sense of responsibility, nourished by learning and compassion, serves as an example and helps mankind to seek its own transformation. He leaves no doubt about the obligation of the poet…. [Canetti maintains that] the poet must resist the ambassadors of nihilism and fight them with all his strength. In place of capitulation Canetti sets exploration, and the goal is the comprehension of life's multiplicity, including both its chaotic defeats and its victories…. (p. 136)

Canetti thus views the poet as a responsible and committed explorer of life, a description which we may appropriately apply to Canetti himself. In doing so we also acknowledge his main communication, namely, that mankind is still alive and capable of discovering, perhaps even saving, itself. This type of discovery interests Canetti, and his reflective prose attests to the success of his intellectual explorations. In respect to this achievement his prose is a unique contribution to contemporary writing, and his belated reception in the seventies is a noteworthy entry for a history of German literary reception. (p. 137)

Marion E. Wiley, "Elias Canetti's Reflective Prose" (a revision of a presentation made at the Modern Language Association meeting on December 28, 1977), in Modern Austrian Literature (© copyright International Arthur Schnitzler Research Association 1979), Vol. 12, No. 2, 1979, pp. 129-39.

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