Arno Schmidt
Arno Schmidt: A Life of Literary Innovation
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Arno Clemens Alexander Hermann Schmidt was a German writer, essayist, and translator who is often referred to as one of the most important and innovative authors of the 20th century.
Birth and Death Dates
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Born on January 18, 1914, in Hanover, Germany, Arno Schmidt passed away on June 6, 1979, at the age of 65.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Schmidt was a German national by birth and profession. He was a writer, essayist, and translator who spent most of his life in Germany, although he also traveled extensively throughout Europe.
Early Life
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Arno Schmidt's early life was marked by a strong passion for reading and writing. Born into a middle-class family, he grew up in Hanover, where he developed a love for literature and the arts. His father was an engineer, and his mother came from a family of artists, which instilled in him a sense of creativity and curiosity.
Schmidt's early education took place at the Luitpold Gymnasium in Munich, where he excelled in languages and literature. After completing his Abitur (A-levels), he went on to study philosophy, history, and German literature at the University of Berlin.
Major Accomplishments
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Arno Schmidt's writing career spanned over three decades, during which he produced a vast array of works that continue to inspire and influence readers today. Some of his most notable accomplishments include:
His innovative use of language and narrative structure, which challenged traditional notions of storytelling.
His exploration of themes such as identity, culture, and the human condition, which reflected his own experiences as a German citizen living through two world wars.
His prolific output, which included over 40 novels, numerous essays, and translations of works by other authors.Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Arno Schmidt's most notable works include:
The Störungen (1953-1969)
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This massive novel is considered one of Schmidt's masterpieces. Spanning over 15 years and multiple volumes, The Störungen is a sweeping narrative that explores themes of identity, culture, and the human condition.
Zettel's Traum (1970)
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Translated as "Zettel's Dream," this novel is a prime example of Schmidt's innovative use of language and narrative structure. It follows the story of Zettel, a young man who lives in a world where dreams are a shared experience.
Impact and Legacy
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Arno Schmidt's impact on 20th-century literature cannot be overstated. His innovative style and thematic preoccupations have influenced generations of writers, including Thomas Mann, Martin Walser, and Günter Grass.
Schmidt's work continues to be widely read and studied today, not only in Germany but also around the world. His legacy extends beyond his own writing, as he has inspired countless readers to explore the possibilities of language and narrative.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Arno Schmidt is widely quoted and remembered for several reasons:
Innovative style: Schmidt's use of language and narrative structure pushed the boundaries of what was possible in literature.
Thematic preoccupations: His exploration of themes such as identity, culture, and the human condition resonated with readers around the world.
Prolific output: Schmidt's vast array of works continues to inspire and influence readers today.
In conclusion, Arno Schmidt was a true original – a writer who defied conventions and pushed the boundaries of language and narrative. His legacy lives on through his work, which remains widely read and studied today.
Quotes by Arno Schmidt

Should I get wind of another such rumor, I shall ruthlessly proceed against the person in question – not in a court of law, that is not my way. But I shall dedicate my next book to him ! : the economic and social consequences will teach him a lesson for the rest of his life !

He who would speak of unknown authors, buried beneath the rubble of centuries, inevitably lays himself open, at least to begin with, to the suspicion of being a crotchety sort with very queer tastes.

Dichter: erhältst Du den Beifall des Volkes, so frage Dich: was habe ich schlecht gemacht?! Erhält ihn auch Dein zweites Buch, so wirf die Feder fort...

It's quite clear : an outsider can, on principle, only value foreign literature that translates well; the truly great artists of language and the fecund experimenters are inaccessible to him; are usually unknown to him in fact !

Ein Rezensent kommt mir manchmal vor wie der Mann, der eine Wolke beobachtet und ihr übelnimmt, daß sie nicht die Gestalt des Kamels angenommen hat, das er jeden Tag im Spiegel sieht.

Spell < tear=dropps > with a dubble < p > at the end, and use a < = > to join the words -- I find it looks much more melancholy; ergo, more correct -:



