Das fiat mihi im werke Gertrud von le Forts
Date
1997
Authors
Speth, Kathrin
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Abstract
This study examines the theme of 'fiat mihi' as the basis of Gertrud von le Forts world-view and literary works, and as their unifying principle. The concept of 'fiat mihi' derives from the Annunciation of Mary in St. Luke's Gospel (1 :38),. where Mary replies to the angel: "fiat mihi secundum verbum tuum" ("be it unto me according to thy wo'rd") (1 :38). Le Fort recognises this gesture of devotion and selflessness as fundamental not only to the historical Mary, but to the whole of human existence itself. Critical studies of Gertrud von le Fort have so far neglected this vital aspect of her lyrics and prose.
In order to demonstrate the applicability of the 'fiat mihi' as unifying element, the thesis analyses a wide variety of the writer's prose, poetry and unpublished correspondence and documents. It examines how acquiescence and selflessness - what some critics would call submission and passivity - form an integral component of her concept of life and letters. Following the tradition of the Renouveau Catholique, le Fort argues that the poet functions as a medium between God and the reader. In order to be able to proclaim the word of God, the poets must empty themselves of their own will and submit fully to the will of God. Furthermore, the fiat mihi is seen as an important ingredient in human relationships. In her works, le Fort stresses the necessity of the individual's devotion to God, to mankind and to one's generation, a gesture that she sees symbolically as particularly feminine (weiblich). Whereas previous studies have focused on le Fort's depiction of woman and femaleness, they have failed to acknowledge that the fiat mihi also constitutes the essence of male persons as well. Using textual analysis of various novels, the dissertation attempts to show le Forts understanding of gender roles, in which peace can exist only through fulfilment of the God-given gender roles.
Furthermore, the thesis explores the importance of the fiat mihi in uniting the soteriological structure of Christianity with secular history (Heils- und Weltgeschichte). Following the tradition of Luther, le Fort recognises the worldly state as an integral part of the divine plan; therefore a culture with its social and political laws has to submit itself to the will of God.
The study also explores Gertrud von le Forts relationship to National socialism, a period during which she produced some of her most famous, and major, works. Significantly, where secular critics have at least addressed the issue, Christian critics have failed to deal effectively with this aspect, a feature that has led to various misinterpretations and misunderstandings about le Fort and her work. Contrary to prevailing Christian critical opinion, le Fort cannot be rescued from suggestions of her having been a fellow traveller by claiming her as a closet Resistance fighter. Characteristically, le Fort faced National Socialism according to the biblical dictum of not resisting Evil; this meant, for the 1930s to 1940s, non-resistance. Rooted in a particular understanding of Scripture, she regarded evil as part of a divine plan that had to be accepted in its totality as the will of God. The thesis therefore argues that le Fort illustrates a form of spiritual Resistance (geistiger Widerstand) by her upholding of her Christian ethics and morals in the face of evil. This spiritual Resistance, often expressed in her writing using historical parallels and other methods of literary camouflage, forms an essential part of le Forts lyrics and novels. Evidence suggests that many of her readers found consolation in her works of this period.
This dissertation's bibliography contains, among other things, an up-to-date and complete account of the secondary sources on the works and thought of Gertrud von le Fort.