Scenes from the Life of a Faun by Arno Schmidt (Book Review)

Published in 1651, 'Leviathan' by Thomas Hobbes is a comprehensive treatise on political philosophy. The book is divided into four main parts: 'Of Man,' 'Of Commonwealth,' 'Of a Christian Commonwealth,' and 'Of the Kingdom of Darkness. ' Hobbes argues that the natural state of humans is one of conflict and anarchy, and that the best way to achieve peace and security is through the establishment of a commonwealth governed by an absolute sovereign. This sovereign, which Hobbes terms the 'Leviathan,' has supreme authority over all aspects of governance, including law, religion, and public offices. Hobbes' work is a foundational text in social contract theory and continues to influence political thought to this day.

In this seminal work, Freud introduces his theory of the unconscious with respect to dream interpretation and discusses what would later become the theory of the Oedipus complex. He argues that dreams are forms of 'wish fulfillment' and are influenced by unconscious forces and censorship. The book differentiates between the manifest content and latent content of dreams and explores the mechanisms of dream formation, including displacement and the 'dream-work'. Freud uses his own dreams and those of his patients to illustrate his theories, providing a deeply personal and insightful look into the human psyche.

Arno Schmidt's "Scenes from the Life of a Fawn" is an experimental novel characterized by its fragmented structure and unique stylistic choices. Each paragraph begins with italicized words, creating a disjointed yet compelling narrative. The protagonist, Heinrich Düring, reflects on his life, experiences, and philosophy, often employing satire and dark humor. The novel explores themes of World War I, the rise of Nazism, and the complexities of human relationships. Schmidt's innovative use of language and unconventional narrative techniques make it a challenging yet rewarding read.

Arno Schmidt's "Zettel's Traum" (Bottom's Dream) is a monumental work of experimental literature, renowned for its immense length and linguistic complexity. The novel is a challenging read, pushing the boundaries of language and narrative structure. It delves into the depths of human consciousness and explores themes of memory, identity, and the nature of reality. Schmidt's innovative use of etymology and wordplay creates a dense and layered text. The novel's sheer scale and linguistic experimentation make it a significant contribution to modernist literature.