Robert Walser
Robert Walser
Full Name and Common Aliases
Robert Walser was a Swiss writer and poet, commonly known as R. W., whose unique writing style and innovative approach to literature have left an enduring impact on the literary world.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on October 15, 1878, in Biel/Bienne, Switzerland, Robert Walser lived a life marked by both turmoil and creative genius. He passed away on June 25, 1956, at the age of 77.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Nationality: Swiss
Profession(s): Writer, Poet
As a writer and poet, Walser is best known for his concise and lyrical prose, which has captivated readers for generations. His works often explored themes of nature, solitude, and the human condition.
Early Life and Background
Robert Walser's early life was marked by both privilege and instability. Born to a family of modest means, he was raised in Biel/Bienne, where he developed a deep love for literature and music. However, his family's financial struggles forced him to leave school at the age of 16 and work various jobs to support himself.
In 1897, Walser moved to Berlin, where he became involved with the avant-garde art scene and began writing in earnest. This period marked a turning point in his life, as he discovered his true calling as a writer and poet.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his career, Robert Walser achieved numerous milestones, including:
Publishing his first collection of poetry, "The Robber" (1907), which showcased his unique writing style.
Writing the novel "The Tanners" (1904-1905), a sweeping family saga that explored themes of love, power, and identity.
Developing the concept of "miniaturism," a literary technique characterized by concise, fragmented narratives.Notable Works or Actions
Some of Robert Walser's most notable works include:
"The Robber" (1907), a collection of poetry that cemented his reputation as a master of language.
"The Tanners" (1904-1905), a novel that has been praised for its innovative narrative structure and vivid characters.
"Microscripts" (1916-1951, published posthumously in 1985), a series of miniature stories written on scraps of paper.
Impact and Legacy
Robert Walser's impact on literature extends far beyond his native Switzerland. His unique writing style, characterized by concise prose and innovative narrative techniques, has influenced generations of writers. Authors such as Thomas Bernhard, Robert Musil, and Martin Walser (his nephew) have cited him as an inspiration.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Robert Walser's writings continue to be widely read and quoted due to their:
Economy of language: His concise prose has been praised for its precision and beauty.
Innovative narrative techniques: Walser's use of miniaturism, fragmentation, and other unconventional approaches has expanded the possibilities of literary form.
* Timeless themes: His works continue to explore universal themes such as nature, solitude, and human connection.
As a writer and poet, Robert Walser left an indelible mark on literature. His innovative style, concise prose, and exploration of timeless themes have cemented his place in the literary canon.
Quotes by Robert Walser
Las naturalezas creativas no son especulativas. Eso las distingue de los imitadores.
I am constructing here a commonsensical book from which nothing at all can be learned. There are, to be sure, persons who wish to extract from books guiding principles for their lives. For this most estimable individual I am therefore, to my gigantic regret, not writing. Is that a pity? Oh yes. O you driest, most upright, virtuous and respectable, kindest, quietest of adventurers- slumber sweetly, for the while.
My life till now seems to have been fairly empty, and the certainty that it will remain empty gives a feeling of endlessness, a feeling which tells one to go to sleep, and to do only the most unavoidable things.
I know this perfectly well, but it was precisely this that I liked – her thinking me silly. Such a peculiar vice: to be secretly pleased to be allowed to observe that one is being slightly robbed.
To be alone: icy, iron terror, foretaste of the grave, forerunner of unpitying death. Oh, whoever has been himself alone can never find another’s loneliness strange.
I cannot live and at the same time despise my life. I must find myself a life, a new life, even if all of life consists only of an endless search for life.
I feel how little it concerns me, everything that’s called “the world,” and how grand and exciting what I privately call the world is to me.
