Grillparzer's Libussa
The Tragedy of Separation
Description
Reeve not only offers a close textual analysis of the drama from the aspect of separation but shows how Libussa and its author fit into the development of the history of ideas in nineteenth-century Europe. He contends that Grillparzer's work reflects Bachofen, Neumann, Nietzsche, Freud, and Lacan. Using Freudian psychoanalysis, Neumann's investigation of the female archetype, and anthropological studies, Reeve argues that Grillparzer's tragedy portrays the struggle between matriarchy and patriarchy, nurturers and warriors, and rural and urban cultures. Since Libussa proves unable to overcome the gender bias of here male subjects, the play concludes with a symbolic statement of masculine superiority as man and woman remain intellectually and physically apart. Reeve's analysis draws parallels with Grillparzer's other two completed posthumous tragedies, Ein Bruderzwist in Habsburg and Die Jüdin von Toledo, relating his findings to the greater context of nineteenth-century German drama.
Reviews
"[Grillparzer's Libussa] represents a major step toward fulfilling an astonishing and lamentable gap in the existing critical discourse regarding a drama that now merits considerable interest and study in the context of modern dramatic works that embody critical reflection on our culture with respect to the role that gender relationships and identities play in its structure." R. Whitinger, Germanic Studies, University of Alberta. "That Professor Reeve is one of the most knowledgeable scholars on this author is evident ... [Grillparzer's Libussa] offers an original and convincing approach to this play, which will influence all subsequent interpretations." Peter Stenberg, Germanic Studies, University of British Columbia.