Elfriede Jelinek
Elfriede Jelinek: A Life of Uncompromising Artistry
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Elfriede Jelinek was born on October 20, 1946, in Munich, West Germany. Her father was a civil servant, and the family moved frequently during her childhood. She is often referred to as Elfriede Jelinek, although some sources also use her full name or variations such as Elfidie (a French adaptation of her name).
Birth and Death Dates
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October 20, 1946 - October 14, 2020
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Austrian playwright and novelist. Jelinek's nationality is often debated due to the complexities surrounding her birth in West Germany and later adoption of Austrian citizenship.
Early Life and Background
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Growing up in a predominantly Catholic household, Jelinek was exposed to a strict moral code that would later influence her literary themes. Her family moved frequently, which may have contributed to her observations on alienation and dislocation in her work. Education played a significant role in shaping Jelinek's perspective; she began writing at an early age and pursued higher education in literature.
Major Accomplishments
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Literary Prolificacy: Elfriede Jelinek produced over 60 books, including novels, plays, and essays. Her work covers a wide range of topics, from the lives of women to politics and social issues.
Awards and Recognition: She won numerous awards for her writing, including the Nobel Prize in Literature (2004), the Austrian State Prize for European Literature, and the Prince of Asturias Award for Literature.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Jelinek's most notable works include:
"The Piano Teacher" (Begnadigung): A novel that explores the themes of abuse, power dynamics, and the complexities of human relationships.
"Women as Lovers" (Frauen. Lieben): A play that examines the lives of women in a patriarchal society.
Impact and Legacy
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Elfriede Jelinek's contributions to literature are multifaceted:
Social Commentary: Her work often serves as a commentary on the social issues of her time, including sexism, racism, and politics.
Innovative Style: Jelinek was known for her experimental writing style, which pushed the boundaries of literary form and convention.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Elfriede Jelinek's quotes are widely referenced due to their thought-provoking nature and relevance to contemporary social issues. Her work continues to inspire readers and writers alike with its unflinching examination of human experience and the complexities of society.
As a Nobel laureate and one of Austria's most celebrated authors, Elfriede Jelinek's impact on literature is undeniable.
Quotes by Elfriede Jelinek
Elfriede Jelinek's insights on:
A woman who becomes famous through her work reduces her erotic value. A woman is permitted to chat or babble, but speaking in public with authority is still the greatest transgression.
In Austria, a rather authoritarian Catholic country, the role of the social admonisher traditionally fell to artists because there were no great political thinkers.
The smaller a group, the easier it is for more people to argue and enter into discussions. The U.S. is vast. It's too large. The intellectuals hide out in enclaves, in big cities or universities, like a bunch of chickens hiding from a fox.
I am a sort of justice fanatic, and I always have to give a voice to those who get a raw deal.
As much as football can cause war, it can also cause peace. Football is a kind of Geiger counter of civilisation, or a catalyst for good as well as bad.
It's interesting that the treatment of historical events by art precedes the civilisation of people through democracy.
My writings are limited to depicting analytically, but also polemically, the horrors of reality. Redemption is the speciality of other authors, male and female.
I seek to cast an incorruptible gaze on women, especially where they are the accomplices of men.
