The Rubezahl Legend in Benedikte Naubert and Johann Karl August Musäus

Martin, L. (2003) The Rubezahl Legend in Benedikte Naubert and Johann Karl August Musäus. Marvels and Tales, 17(2), p. 197. (doi: 10.1353/mat.2003.0032)

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1353/mat.2003.0032

Abstract

This comparison of Rübezahl tales by Benedikte Naubert and Johann Karl August Musäus shows that each tale presents a system of beliefs implicit in the language and narrative structure, and in the depiction of men and women, Gentile and Jew. Naubert's work represents more truly some of the values of the Enlightenment, in its positive depiction of humane treatment of others and tolerance of class, racial, and sexual difference. He work subverts gender roles, which Musäus's story seeks to enshrine. Thus two important myths of our times are debunked: one, that enlightened thought comes exclusively from the upper echelons of the male educated classes; and two, that the German Volk expressed unanimously these early nationalistic and anti-Semitic sentiments, as Robert Darnton claims.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Martin, Dr Laura
Authors: Martin, L.
Subjects:P Language and Literature > PT Germanic literature
College/School:College of Arts & Humanities > School of Modern Languages and Cultures > Comparative Literature
Journal Name:Marvels and Tales
ISSN:1521-4281
ISSN (Online):1536-1802

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record