Arthur Schnitzler Critical Essay | Critical Essay by Gerd K. Schneider

Critical Essay by Gerd K. Schneider

SOURCE: Schneider, Gerd K. “The Reception of Arthur Schnitzler's Reigen in the Old Country and the New World: A Study in Cultural Differences.” Modern Austrian Literature 19, nos. 3-4 (1986): 75-89.

In the following essay, Schneider addresses differences in reactions to the stage, book, and film versions of Reigen in various countries.

Since the reception of Schnitzler's Reigen up to 1925 is generally known, only a few points need to be emphasized. The play was written in the winter of 1896-97 and was published in 1900 in a private printing that was not for sale. The work was well received by his friends, but as early as 1903, the year scenes four to six were first staged in Munich, sharp criticism was voiced by Törnsee:

Reigen ist nichts als eine Schweinerei oder, ist das zu deutsch, eine Cochonnerie, die bloß der Esprit eines Parisers oder die Satire eines Künstlers, der...
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